The boss of the International Airlines Group, which owns Aer Lingus and British Airways, says he is "optimistic" over a legal challenge to the European Commission to end crippling strikes in France.

The chief executive of the International Airlines Group (IAG), Willie Walsh, has said there is no shortage of pilots in the airline industry, confirming that Aer Lingus has recently received 3,000 applications for 100 pilot jobs.

Willie Walsh, the chief executive of Aer Lingus’ parent company, International Airlines Group (IAG), took home €8.8m in salary and benefits last year.

Top flight shares struggled for direction yesterday, even after British Airways owner International Airlines Group (IAG) upgraded its targets and announced a new boss at the UK carrier.