PHOTOS - Ryanair 2012 Calendar slideshow

Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary has followed the lead set by his cabin crew and stripped off the airline’s controversial charity calendar. He also cleared cabin crew members for takeoff.

The colorful airline chief donned his swim shorts when he joined his scantly clad hostesses at the launch of the 2012 Ryanair calendar.

Each year the budget carrier sells a calendar on board its flights to raise money for Irish charities – with all the lingerie models members of its crew.

O’Leary joined the party for the London launch of the 2012 calendar which will sell for $14 aboard all Ryanair flights and at www.ryanair.com

----------------------

READ MORE:

More news stories from Ireland on IrishCentral

More Ryanair news stories on IrishCentral

George Clooney’s Irish roots are discovered in Kilkenny village

----------------------

The airline expects to raise over $150,000 for the Irish charity DEBRA which helps people suffering from the skin condition Epidermolysis Bullosa.

Proceeds will allow 50 families who have children with EB to holiday for a week in DEBRA’s specially adapted holiday home in the Spanish resort of Malaga.

The charity has ignored the annual claims of sexism against Ryanair and is delighted to be the chosen beneficiary from 400 applicants.

Debra’s fund raising chief Susan Woodcock said: “The exposure alone will be phenomenal because we are not a well known charity.”

Mum Emma Foghery from Abbeyleix in Co Laois, is delighted the calendar sales will allow her to take her family to the DEBRA facility in Spain.

“At least you have no worries going over there and you know someone is going to be there who knows what they are doing,” said Emma.

PHOTOS - Ryanair 2012 Calendar slideshow

Ryanair Cabin Crew Charity Calendar 2011: