New Aer Lingus chief executive Dermot Mannion takes up his new role today.
The former Emirates executive, who comes to the job six months after CEO Willie Walsh left to later take the top position in British Airways,
will face the challenges of developing new routes, partial privatisation, and rising fuel costs.
Mr Mannion is expected to open up new long-haul routes to the United States, Asia and the Middle East to grow the national airline. The new chief executive will have to work quickly to expand routes and services to keep the troubled airline in the black.
The Government is due to sell off a majority stake to raise badly-needed finance to boost its fleet, although the State will keep a significant shareholding to protect its strategic interest in the carrier.
Mr Mannion will also need to plan for extra capacity with the long-awaited new terminal at Dublin airport coming on stream. The facility will be owned by the Dublin Airport Authority, which will put its operation out to tender.
Rising international fuel costs will also add to Mr Mannion's woes.
Transport Minister Martin Cullen said he met Mr Mannion at the end of July to welcome him into his new role and to discuss current developments.
PA