Irish national carrier Aer Lingus last week posted a record 29% rise in 2004 full-year operating profit, to €107 million ($137 million). Passenger numbers rose 5.5% to 7 million with two-thirds of its bookings now made over the internet. Staff numbers fell almost 9% to just under 4,000 during the year. The airline has been hunting for a new chief executive since November when Willie Walsh, who has since been appointed as the new British Airways chief executive, announced his resignation.
Source: Flight International
