Drop sentimental stance over sale, says CEO Stephen Kavanagh

Aer Lingus’ incoming chief executive has urged those opposed to the airline’s sale to drop their sentimental stance over its change of ownership and embrace the growth opportunities such a move could present.

While saying the strong level of affinity being shown for the Aer Lingus brand, in recent weeks, has been “encouraging”, Stephen Kavanagh, who formally takes over from outgoing CEO, Christoph Müller this weekend, said the approach from IAG has been “a vote of confidence” in the strength of the airline as a business.

“We can’t let sentimentality and protectionism block growth,” he said, adding that becoming part of an enlarged IAG group (which already features British Airways, Iberia and Vueling) would offer Aer Lingus a real opportunity for growth and accelerated growth into the future.