While not necessarily agreeing with Ryanair, just trying to widen up the discussion....
Why should an airline pay for your type rating, training, etc when you're going to leave anyway? Asking for application fees is quite common in the USA where there is *zero* loyalty to the company (granted, it goes both ways).
This is an eternal dilemma. What is a humane way to bond people to the company for a couple of years so there's a sporting chance of getting the money back? I remember having to do two years for my IR way back when, but there was no enforceable contract.
What do the panel think?
phil