Ryanair pilot John Goss has settled his High Court proceedings against his employer. Captain Goss had alleged he was being threatened with disciplinary proceedings because of his trade union activities, though the airline had denied the claim.
Under today's settlement, Captain Goss will continue to fly with Ryanair and will be trained to fly their new fleet of 737-800 aircraft.
Some sources suggested that neither he nor the pilots' union IALPA will pay any costs. However, other sources indicated that Ryanair would be making a 50% contribution to the pilots' costs.
Both parties will withdraw serious complaints made against each other in the course of the proceedings - and declared themselves pleased with the outcome.
Captain Goss said he was pleased to be returning to flying duty with Ryanair. He said he was delighted that his good name was vindicated but expressed regret that his difficulties with Ryanair management had to be resolved in the High Court.
Ryanair's director of flight and ground operations, David O'Brien, said he was delighted that Captain Goss had withdrawn and abandoned his claims against the airline, and described the settlement as excellent.
Separate proceedings to jail three Ryanair executives including Chief Executive Michael O'Leary for contempt of a court order will be discontinued, subject to the approval of Mr Justice Barry White who was hearing that matter.
Some sources estimated the cost of the proceedings at up to €0.75m - but this is not the end of the legal road for Ryanair and its pilots. The pilots' union says that around 170 claims of victimisation by Dublin based Ryanair pilots remain to be investigated by a rights commissioner.
And in still further proceedings today, the airline is challenging the Labour Court's entitlement to hear other complaints by the pilots.
* Ryanair shares closed 11 cent lower at €6.43 in Dublin this evening.
