Ryanair's management will meet for the first time Tuesday with pilots' representatives as the Irish no-frills airline takes the first steps towards union recognition and a significant shift in labour relations.

"Ryanair is moving to recognise unions, starting this week with meetings with Irish, German and Portuguese pilot unions," the company said in a statement on Tuesday. 

"It will lead on in the New Year to meetings with other EU pilot unions and cabin crew unions in due course as well."

The low-cost carrier said it was making the move to avoid "widespread customer disruptions over Christmas".

Ryanair agreed to its pilots' demands for the right to unionise last Friday, amid threats of strikes over the busy pre-Christmas travel period.