Aer Lingus paid chief executive Mueller €1.5m in 2013

Aer Lingus paid its chief executive, Christophe Mueller, €1.5 million last year, 15 per cent more than in 2012, the airline's annual report shows.

According to details of directors’ pay contained in the report, Mr Mueller received a total of €1.52 million in 2013, compared to €1.29 million the previous year.

The total package included basic pay of €475,000, an annual performance-related bonus of €420,000 and a special bonus of €400,000. On top of this, there were pension contributions of €175,000 and other benefits amounting to €55,000.

Chief financial officer, Andrew Macfarlane, received €669,000, 23 per cent less than the €876,000 he was paid in 2012.

The report states that Mr Macfarlane voluntarily took a 23 per cent pay cut last year. His basic pay was €330,000 and he received an annual performance bonus of €177,000.

Profits at Aer Lingus grew 0.6 per cent last year to €34.1 million from €33.9 million.

The airline endured a good deal of turbulence last year as a row over the €780 million hole in the pension plan it operates jointly with Dublin Airport Authority dragged on.

Mr Mueller also presided over a change in strategy at Aer Lingus during 2013 that saw a renewed focus on long-haul business and the launch of a number of new transatlantic services.