Airline picks management team

Aer Lingus has appointed a new management team to take the airline through the privatisation process scheduled to occur in June.

Despite speculation that several high-profile executives might be appointed to the team, chief executive Dermot Mannion has decided to keep faith with existing Aer Lingus management.

"I am confident that no one can sell the Aer Lingus story better than this team can," said Mr Mannion yesterday.

Media speculation over recent weeks concerned the position of chief financial officer. But Mr Mannion has asked Greg O'Sullivan to perform this role as finance director.

Mr Mannion said Mr O'Sullivan would help the airline to achieve its financial objectives in the "next phase of its development".

For the last year Mr O'Sullivan has been performing the role previously undertaken by Brian Dunne, chief financial officer, who now works in a senior role in Canada.

Mr Niall Walsh has been appointed as deputy chief executive and he will be focusing on non-passenger revenue opportunities and getting cost efficiencies throughout the business.

Enda Corneille becomes commercial director and will be asked to develop the airline's sale and marketing capabilities and expanding aerlingus.com. He is currently head of European sales.

Stephen Kavanagh, most recently manager of operations planning, becomes planning director. Liz White remains in position as human resources director. Dick Butler has been appointed as ground operations director, he was previously acting head of operations.

The airline's chairman John Sharman said this week changes to the board might also be made if the Government gives a final decision on a sale.