Chief Pilot, Challenger Fleet - Europe's Largest Airline Group
About the Opportunity
Ryanair, in cooperation with Crewlink Ireland, extends an invitation for highly qualified aviation professionals to apply for the prestigious position of Chief Pilot, Challenger Fleet. This pivotal leadership role offers an exceptional opportunity to join Europe's largest airline group during a period of unprecedented growth, as Ryanair targets an expansion to over 800 aircraft and 300 million guests within the next decade.
The Role
Based at London Stansted Airport (STN), the Chief Pilot will oversee the unique operations of Ryanair's dedicated Challenger fleet. Comprising three operational aircraft with a fourth scheduled for delivery in April 2026, this vital fleet, based across STN and BGY, provides critical engineering support. Its primary function is facilitating the rapid transport of parts, engineers, and crew in response to Aircraft on Ground (AOG) situations across Ryanair's extensive network of over 230 airports. This role is instrumental in minimising EU261 liabilities and ensuring seamless passenger travel, alongside executing essential ad-hoc management flights. The successful incumbent will lead and manage a dedicated team of 28 pilots, with anticipated headcount growth within the next 12 months.
Key Responsibilities
The Chief Pilot is entrusted with comprehensive control and supervision of all Challenger Flight Operations, ensuring the highest standards of safety, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. Specific responsibilities include:
- Exercising ultimate control and supervision over all Challenger Flight Operations.
- Ensuring strict adherence to all international aviation standards, safety protocols, and regulatory requirements.
- Implementing and supervising company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across the Challenger fleet.
- Verifying that all Challenger aircraft operations align with regulatory mandates and achieve all established operational and safety management objectives.
- Maintaining all departmental manuals under their responsibility as current, accurate, and acceptable to the relevant aviation authorities.
- Keeping the Accountable Manager fully informed of all significant safety and regulatory matters.
- Leading and managing a professional team of pilots, encompassing oversight of scheduled and ad-hoc flight operations, strategic headcount planning, and comprehensive training supervision.
- Regularly operating flights, including direct oversight of critical management flights.
- Performing ad-hoc management duties and providing weekly operational reports.
Qualifications and Experience
Candidates for this demanding role must possess a distinguished aviation background and demonstrate exceptional leadership capabilities. Essential requirements include:
- Unrestricted right to live and work in the UK, with the ability to travel freely throughout the entire Ryanair network.
- A valid EASA/UK Air Transport Pilot License (ATPL) and a current Class 1 Medical Certificate.
- A minimum of 3,500 total flight hours, including at least 1,000 Pilot-in-Command (PIC) hours in a Multi-Crew Multi-Engine aircraft.
- Prior experience as a Post Holder or in a Safety Management role, or a similar leadership position, is highly advantageous.
- Demonstrable previous business jet experience, or holding a current Challenger Type Rating, will be highly regarded.
- Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite.
- Proven ability to thrive and operate effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic operational environment.
- Superior people management and leadership skills.
Benefits
Ryanair is committed to attracting and retaining top talent by offering:
- A highly competitive salary package.
- Excellent opportunities for career progression within Europe's leading airline group.
Core Competencies
Successful candidates will demonstrate proficiency in the following key competencies:
- Performance Management
- Effective Communication
- Collaborative Teamwork
- Sound Decision-Making and Judgment