Thanks to OnlineTravelReview for this gem: A Ryanair pilot has quit after being transferred to Lithuania, allegedly in response to his remarks against CEO Michael O'Leary in the Financial Times newspaper.

Captain Morgan Fischer, a five year RyanAir pilot with more than 20 years of experience, is the first senior staff member to comment publicly against his employer. He wrote a letter in response to CEO O'Leary's suggestion that a 737 aircraft only needs on pilot and a "trained flight attendant" to jump in in the case of emergency. Fischer, who is no longer with the company, is quoted in FT as saying:

"I would propose that Ryanair replace the CEO with a probationary cabin crew member currently earning approximately €13,200 net per annum," Capt Fischer has written in a letter to the Financial Times, which reported Mr O'Leary's comments last week.

"Ryanair would benefit by saving millions of euros in salary, benefits and stock options," the captain said, and there would be no need for approval from the authorities.

Fischer, an American, was recently transfarred from his base in Marseilles, France to Kaunas, Lithuania after his based closed. Cooincidence? We're not sure. But Fischer believes it's more than just bad luck - other pilots were offered spots in Spain, France and Italy, he says. Fischer has since quit.

That will teach you not to argue publicly with your employer. Or not.

[Image via Flickr user Mielko]

Filed under: Europe, Lithuania, Airlines