Mueller link to Malaysian Airlines unlikely to get off the ground

Is Christoph Mueller, the outgoing Aer Lingus chief executive, really about to take off to become the new boss of Malaysian Airlines? It seems like a long shot but that's the rumour spreading across the Asian country's media.

"Mr Mueller is the one for the job," wrote the Malaysian Insider, quoting an unnamed source. Aviation sources here suggested it is highly unlikely. Then again, who predicted that Michael O'Leary was about turn into Mary Poppins?

Malaysian’s State-backed owner is about to spend $1.9 billion on a revamp of the carrier, and the country’s entire media has been briefed by someone that Mueller is the chosen one, sparking consternation about potential cost- cutting. But perhaps that was the point of the briefings.

For a start, it would be a hell of a commute to his other job as chairman of An Post, which he has said repeatedly he wants to keep. Mueller also told The Irish Times recently that his family is settled in Ireland, and would like to stay here if possible. He also owns his beautiful residence in Howth. This rumour looks like a bit of a flier.