Jurisdiction of Courts and Applicable Law in Aircrew Employment Disputes: Special Reference to Ryanair Employment Disputes

Abstract

Aviation regulations within the EU with the EEA relevance have been harmonized and liberalized by virtue of three sets of regulations that were later replaced by EU Regulation 1008/2008. Low-cost air carriers such as EasyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air have been formed since this liberalization, and have been operating from various bases. This trend has increased cabin crew demand and facilitated employee allocation in many areas. On the other hand, it has created confusion with regard to applicability of the law and jurisdiction over labour disputes. In this respect the preliminary decision from the Court of Justice of the European Union in the Sandra Nogueira and others v. Crewlink and Ryanair shall provide the typically weaker party – the employee – with legal clarity and defence. employment disputes, aircrew, jurisdiction, applicable law, liberalization