Aer Lingus Chief Executive to resign

The Chief Executive of Aer Lingus Willie Walsh is to resign from the airline.

Mr Walsh and two other senior executives Chief Operations Officer Seamus Kearney and Chief Financial Officer Brian Dunne have announced they are to step down from next May.

No reason has been given but Aer Lingus Chairman John Sharman has said it is with regret that he accepts the resignations as all three have played a significant contribution to the turnaround of the airline.

The Chairman has said the board of Aer Lingus will now ensure a smooth and orderly transition over the coming months and will build upon the progress it has made.

The shock announcement comes as the airline prepares to implement 1,300 voluntary redundancies.