Pilots union Balpa confirmed on Wednesday (1 July) that 96% of its Ryanair members had backed the plan, which will save 260 of the 330 jobs under threat.

The settlement also contains an assurance the pay reductions will be restored to 100% over the next four years.

It comes after Ryanair in May announced 330 UK pilot jobs were at risk, including 70 from four potential base closures – Bournemouth, Leeds Bradford, Prestwick and Southend.

"Following intensive negotiations between Balpa and Ryanair, a package of cost savings was put together," said the union in a statement.

"Pilots have agreed to accept a 20% pay reduction in order to save 260 of the jobs that were at risk, with most of the rest linked to the possible base closures which is still to be resolved.

"We will remain in negotiations with the airline about those jobs and aim to protect those too."

Balpa general secretary Brian Strutton added: “This is a terrible time for aviation and for employees in all airlines.

"It was our members’ mandate for us to save as many jobs as possible. In the circumstances, this is the right thing to do, even if it means accepting difficult temporary reductions in pay.

“We do not relish accepting pay cuts, and this is going to be tough for many of our pilot members.

"But we are at least pleased to have ensured that the overwhelming number of pilots whose jobs were at risk will continue to be employed.”