Aer Lingus CEO steps down

It's all change at the top at Aer Lingus where Dermot Mannion has resigned from his position as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). In a statement released this morning (Monday, April 6), Mannion said: “My decision to step down will allow a new CEO to bring fresh thinking and new ideas to the business”.

Colm Barrington, Chairman of Aer Lingus, will act as executive chairman until a new chief executive is recruited.

During Mannion's tenure, Aer Lingus spread its wings with new long-haul routes to the US and Middle East. The airline was also privatised with the former state airline floating on the Iseq exchange in September 2006.

Mannion was also at the helm when Aer Lingus cut flights from Shannon to Heathrow before the airline partially reinstated the service last weekend.

In common with other airlines, the Irish flag carrier has been buffetted by global economic conditions over the past few months. It has cut back services on long- and short-haul services and further schedule reductions are expected.

- easyJet has also announced the departure of its chairman. Sir Colin Chandler will leave on July 1. Sir Michael Rake, chairman of BT Group, will take up the reins.

© Cheapflights Ltd