Ryanair's chief operating officer, rather conveniently has 'resigned' after thousands of flights had to be cancelled in a pilot roster foul-up that could cost the airline €20 million.
Michael Hickey is said to have been the man responsible for preparing the pilot work maps since 2014. He joined the company in 1988 as an engineer.
Ryanair’s chief, Michael O'Leary, said in a statement that Hickey had made a huge contribution in improving the quality and safety of operational and engineering functions of the company.
"It will be difficult to replace him and we thank him for being an advisor to facilitate the transition to his successor," said O'Leary, hoping Hickey’s departure will calm the voices of those calling for his own.
Ryanair announced on September 27th that there was to be a reduction of the winter timetable with 25 of its 400 aircraft taken out of active service.
Ryanair had already said on September 15th that 2,100 trips would be scrapped over a six week period due to an error in the distribution of pilots' holidays.
In Portugal, the National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) is planning to fine Ryanair for its failure to publish full information as to customers’ rights on its website and acted to halt the charging of extra fees imposed on those customers choosing to rebook.
ANAC has requested information from the airline to clarify what offences it committed when mishandling the whole fiasco and also has carried out inspections in Lisbon and Oporto to verify what information and assistance, if any, was given to passengers.
Around 1,900 flights to and from European airports have been canceled and 325,000 passengers will be affected by the Ryanair cancellations.
In Portugal, 374 flight cancellations will affect about 63,000 passengers.
