Mannion to take the controls at Aer Lingus

AER Lingus has found a new chief executive, nearly three months after the departure of Willie Walsh.

The airline yesterday named Sligo-born Dermot Mannion, current president of support services at Emirates Airlines, as its boss.

Mr Mannion will take up the €500,000-a-year post at the end of August.

Aer Lingus has been rudderless since Mr Walsh left in January, frustrated by Government failure to move on a decision to bring in outside investors.

The 47-year-old new chief executive, a trained accountant, has extensive experience in the industry. He has been with Emirates for 18 years and helped to rescue Sri Lankan Airlines from bankruptcy.

Mr Mannion said Mr Walsh was a “very hard act to follow” but he would bring “some of the great dynamism and entrepreneurial spirit of Emirates” to Aer Lingus.

Aer Lingus reported more than €100 million in profits for 2004 but faces challenging times ahead.

Chairman John Sharman said €1.5 billion is needed to overhaul the fleet and fly to long-haul destinations.

Mr Sharman said: “He has a superb track record at Emirates and as a director of Sri Lankan Airlines was centrally involved in its turnaround. He also completed the 15bn aircraft acquisition programme for Emirates.”

Transport Minister Martin Cullen said he favours selling a majority of the Government’s stake in the airline and is due to bring plans to cabinet next week recommending floating 51% of Aer Lingus shares.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern would not be drawn on plans for Aer Lingus.

“No decision has been taken on Aer Lingus or the second terminal. Martin Cullen is presenting his package to the cabinet on Tuesday,” Mr Ahern said.

Opposition parties welcomed the appointment.

“It is crucial Mr Mannion is not left swinging in the wind by the Government, in the way which drove his predecessor to resign,” Fine Gael transport spokesperson Olivia Mitchell said.