A “HISTORIC” recognition deal has been agreed between Ryanair and the trade union representing pilots.

The British Airline Pilots Association (Balpa) announced yesterday that it had signed a voluntary agreement whereby Balpa will be recognised as the sole trade union representing all of Ryanair’s 600 employed pilots based in Britain.

Balpa general secretary Brian Strutton said: “Given Ryanair’s previous hostility towards unions, today’s agreement is a historic one.