Ryanair chief pilot fired
Today's London Times seems fairly comprehensive: I was particularly impressed by the paragraph I've emphasised at the bottom!
Ryanair has fired its chief pilot after an inquiry found a “pattern of repeated inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour” towards nine junior female pilots.
Aidan Murray was dismissed with immediate effect on Tuesday after a two-week investigation found he had harassed and groomed the pilots, aged between 21 and 32.
The Times understands that Murray, 58, who is married, sent inappropriate text messages to female cadet pilots offering them support in their careers.
The messages progressed to comments about their figures, with references to a “great body” and an “amazing ass” as well as questions about their love life and sexual activity. In at least two cases he asked for pictures, promising that they would not be sent on.
The inquiry began after an anonymous whistleblower claimed he had groomed four junior female pilots and had several “pet favourites”.
Murray was appointed chief pilot in 2020 and was legally required to fly about once a month to maintain his licence. The investigation found he altered rotas so he could share a cockpit with the junior pilots. In the past 12 months, Murray had flown 18 times and altered the rota on 14 occasions.
A source close to the investigation dismissed claims that the relationships were sexual in any way, but many of the junior pilots believed his conduct was progressing in that way. At least two of them said he had patted their rears in his office, another in a car park.
The source denied rumours that Murray had been arrested but said the airline had made clear to the victims that they would be supported in any way if they wished to pursue charges. The affected pilots have also been offered counselling.
Murray was interviewed three times as part of the investigation. Darrell Hughes, Ryanair chief people officer, wrote in an email to staff: “We regret to advise all of you that last evening we terminated with immediate effect the employment of the Ryanair DAC chief pilot (who was appointed in 2020).
“This decision follows an investigation over recent days which identified a pattern of repeated inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour towards a number of female junior pilots, which was in breach of our anti-harassment policy.
“We are determined to ensure that all our people can come to work in a safe and secure environment.”
The Times understands that Murray did not co-operate with the investigation, saying he faced a “witch-hunt”. He later claimed he had not sent the text messages and — after being provided with proof — said he had done so when drunk. It is also understood he contacted some of his victims and urged them not to assist the inquiry.
Murray was dismissed on four allegations, including cultivating inappropriate relationships with female pilots. He has a right of appeal for seven days.
A spokesman for Ryanair said the airline would not comment on individual employees. Murray could not be contacted for comment..
Aidan Murray was dismissed with immediate effect on Tuesday after a two-week investigation found he had harassed and groomed the pilots, aged between 21 and 32.
The Times understands that Murray, 58, who is married, sent inappropriate text messages to female cadet pilots offering them support in their careers.
The messages progressed to comments about their figures, with references to a “great body” and an “amazing ass” as well as questions about their love life and sexual activity. In at least two cases he asked for pictures, promising that they would not be sent on.
The inquiry began after an anonymous whistleblower claimed he had groomed four junior female pilots and had several “pet favourites”.
Murray was appointed chief pilot in 2020 and was legally required to fly about once a month to maintain his licence. The investigation found he altered rotas so he could share a cockpit with the junior pilots. In the past 12 months, Murray had flown 18 times and altered the rota on 14 occasions.
A source close to the investigation dismissed claims that the relationships were sexual in any way, but many of the junior pilots believed his conduct was progressing in that way. At least two of them said he had patted their rears in his office, another in a car park.
The source denied rumours that Murray had been arrested but said the airline had made clear to the victims that they would be supported in any way if they wished to pursue charges. The affected pilots have also been offered counselling.
Murray was interviewed three times as part of the investigation. Darrell Hughes, Ryanair chief people officer, wrote in an email to staff: “We regret to advise all of you that last evening we terminated with immediate effect the employment of the Ryanair DAC chief pilot (who was appointed in 2020).
“This decision follows an investigation over recent days which identified a pattern of repeated inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour towards a number of female junior pilots, which was in breach of our anti-harassment policy.
“We are determined to ensure that all our people can come to work in a safe and secure environment.”
The Times understands that Murray did not co-operate with the investigation, saying he faced a “witch-hunt”. He later claimed he had not sent the text messages and — after being provided with proof — said he had done so when drunk. It is also understood he contacted some of his victims and urged them not to assist the inquiry.
Murray was dismissed on four allegations, including cultivating inappropriate relationships with female pilots. He has a right of appeal for seven days.
A spokesman for Ryanair said the airline would not comment on individual employees. Murray could not be contacted for comment..
Last edited by Senior Pilot; 15th Jun 2023 at 18:46. Reason: Quote
However did Michael O'Leary and the other senior executives not spot all this long before ?
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And someone dull enough to conduct such overtures in a form readily preserved, available and discoverable, serving as chief pilot?
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Ryanair bashing at its best!
So the guy had a little flirt. Yes abused his power. Yes he was wrong. YES SHOULD BE FIRED!
But!!! Face and identity plastered all over the tabloids? I mean come on. Too much. Undeserved. I feel sorry for the poor chap.
Go ahead slate me….
So the guy had a little flirt. Yes abused his power. Yes he was wrong. YES SHOULD BE FIRED!
But!!! Face and identity plastered all over the tabloids? I mean come on. Too much. Undeserved. I feel sorry for the poor chap.
Go ahead slate me….
"Ryanair bashing"! Nothing whatsoever to do with Ryanair bashing!
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Taking out the unprofessionalism side of this.
In general the only difference between flirting and harassment is attraction.
2 people could do the exact same thing without consent: inappropriate comment, inappropriate joke, inappropriate hugging etc.
If one looks like Jack Black he’s in hot water, if the other looks like Jack Grealish he’ll probably get a more favourable response.
This chap rolled the dice and lost (albeit the odds were very much stacked against him because he’s not exactly Jack Grealish in looks or age)
In general the only difference between flirting and harassment is attraction.
2 people could do the exact same thing without consent: inappropriate comment, inappropriate joke, inappropriate hugging etc.
If one looks like Jack Black he’s in hot water, if the other looks like Jack Grealish he’ll probably get a more favourable response.
This chap rolled the dice and lost (albeit the odds were very much stacked against him because he’s not exactly Jack Grealish in looks or age)
There was immediate talk about how long this particular guy in engine management would last. Turns out not all that long - a few years later he abruptly retired, with plenty of rumors regarding him being given the option of retiring or getting charged.
It's a changed world (at least in this case for the better), but some people haven't changed with it.
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Its not necessarily the incident that ruins the people involved (both sides) but social media and the press. The world has gone totally mad largely due to social media and the keyboard experts !! As for the press, well, they are just unbelievably good at destroying people.
Its not necessarily the incident that ruins the people involved (both sides) but social media and the press. The world has gone totally mad largely due to social media and the keyboard experts !! As for the press, well, they are just unbelievably good at destroying people.
Last edited by Flyingmac; 16th Jun 2023 at 07:02.
Its not necessarily the incident that ruins the people involved (both sides) but social media and the press. The world has gone totally mad largely due to social media and the keyboard experts !! As for the press, well, they are just unbelievably good at destroying people.
Really? You don't need to be a "Eunuch" to not sexually harass women.