The factors influencing entry level airline pilot retention: An empirical study of Ryanair

• Published in: Journal of air transport management 2021-03, Vol.91, p.101997, Article 101997
• Main Authors: Efthymiou, Marina, Usher, David, O'Connell, John F., Warnock-Smith, David, Conyngham, Gerry
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Airline pilots; Airline staff; Flight crew; Pilot retention; Retention of high skilled employees; Ryanair
• ISSN: 0969-6997; 1873-2089
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jairtraman.2020.101997

Pilot retention has been a significant concern for airlines that find it difficult to recruit and maintain pilots who are classified as high skilled employees. The aim of this research is to determine the factors that influence pilot retention and investigate if these factors differ based on gender, age and level of commercial flying experience of pilots. A mixed methods approach was used. Quantitative information was collected via an online survey sent to 394 Ryanair pilots. Nine in-depth expert interviews were conducted. The pilots ranked, in order of importance, a number of retention-influencing factors spanning seven areas, identified with the help of interviewees and secondary research. The results of the survey indicate that the most important retention influencing factors are being based at home, working a fixed roster pattern for a financially stable airline, being paid a competitive salary and having job security. This research provides qualitative evidence that airlines can use to develop or update their financial and non-financial benefits packages and where necessary, amend work practices and maximise pilot motivation to stay. •Airlines generally face high rates of pilot turnover.•Seven category areas containing 30 subcategories influencing pilot retention are identified.•394 Ryanair pilots assessed their retention-influencing factors in the seven category areas.•The most important factors are: being home based, fixed roster, financially-stable carrier, competitive salary, job security.