Airline close to selecting new head

Aer Lingus is believed to be in the final stages of selecting a new chief executive officer, following the departure of Willie Walsh.

The sub-committee of the company's board has a shortlist of just a few candidates, having received over 30 applications. An announcement on an appointment may be made around April 13 or 14, when the airline is expected to present its annual results for 2004.

Sources close to the airline said ...