Toro103.
I can assure you that age is no barrier at this moment to entry at any level into RyanAir. The fundamental reason is their recruitment intake has stalled somewhat. Source is a real old mate who is in management/recruitment training and has been advised they need to speed up their throughput. RyanAir are taking an aggressive approach on expansion and have ambitious plans in the next two years. Given that, that aren't getting the balance right. They have lost a ground in attracting experienced FO's. Although they are flying a really good number of flights and crew are getting decent numbers of hours they amended their hour levels from 800 to 1500 Ryan hours before considering a command course. This has skewed the time frames for new experienced seekers to get command with a year or so to go out to at least 2/3 years. Result, the loss of SFO guys who just didn't want to spend that time in rhs.
Big push on cadet recruitment from now, expected to increase by 60% from present level, not revealed numbers that is. More than likely they will reduce any entry barriers which reduce their thirst for crew potential.
Age is certainly not an issue and who knows maybe they will reduce the cash upfront? We will see.
I believe it's good news all round except for their direct competition which has suffered over the years. MOL is a monster, glad we aren't direct competitor.