Almost two months after the departure of Garry Cullen from the top job at Aer Lingus, the search for a replacement is still ongoing.

The airline has been much slower off the block than British Airways, which appointed Australian Rod Eddington last week to replace Bob Ayling as chief executive. Mr Ayling was ousted from British Airways in March, a month after Mr Cullen left Aer Lingus.

Floating Aer Lingus will be top priority for the new boss and the support of its staff will be crucial.

Whoever fills the hot seat might take note of a spoof memo doing the rounds at BA which is attributed to Mr Ayling, whose analytical management style, um, was legendary.

It begins: "The objective of all dedicated company employees should be to analyse thoroughly all situations, anticipate all problems, have answers to these problems and move swiftly to solve these problems when called upon. "However, when you are up to your arse in alligators, it is difficult to remind yourself that your initial objective was to drain the swamp."

Prospective airline bosses watch out.