RYANAIR has told its Dublin-based pilots that if they do not sign new contracts tying them to the company for five years, they will not be given training on the airline’s new fleet and could lose their jobs.

Pilots were also informed that they will be required to pay the full €15,000 cost of the training if they leave the airline before the five years has expired. Ryanair is planning to replace 10 Boeing 737-200s, currently based in Ireland, with the larger and more fuel-efficient 737-800 by the end of 2005. More than 90 pilots in Dublin require retraining.

These conditions, which were outlined at two meetings on Thursday, are unusual in the airline industry and have raised the hackles of pilots, who are set to resist the plans.

It is understood the pilots believe this is part of a wider plan by the company to reduce their benefits and conditions of employment. One said: “My colleagues are fed up with the erosion in our terms and conditions. This is more of the same and we see no end to it.”

Pilots say Ryanair has already nibbled at their benefits, changing the way in which pensions are paid, introducing charges for uniforms and axing free tea and coffee for staff. They now believe the company could target other perks, including staff travel privileges and life assurance.

It is not clear what action the pilots might take, but industrial action has been ruled out.

Earlier this year about 10 pilots based in Shannon signed bonds that tied them to the airline for three years after their retraining. The pilots agreed to pay €7,500 to the company if they leave within that time.

Ryanair confirmed the conditions attached to the training programme but declined to comment on the detail of the meetings held with pilots. The company reiterated that its pilots were “among the best paid in Europe”.

Ryanair’s pilots have already drawn the ire of Michael O’Leary, the airline’s chief executive, by forming the Ryanair European Pilots’ Association. This is aimed at giving Ryanair pilots a united voice in dealing with the company.