Ryanair, this morning announced that Sean Coyle, its Director of Scheduled Revenue, has resigned to take up the position of Chief Financial Officer in Aer Lingus Group plc in which Ryanair is a 29% shareholder. Ryanair said that it regrets the decision of any employee to depart, but particularly when they are joining smaller high fare competitors.

Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary said today:

“We wish Sean Coyle every success in his new role. We are pleased to see Aer Lingus recruit some decent management and hope that Sean will introduce some of the changes we have been calling for in Aer Lingus, such as reducing their short haul fares (which have long risen 5% in the last year) and scrapping their unfair and unjustified fuel surcharges which have been increased five times in the last year.”

John Sharman, Chairman of Aer Lingus, commented:"Challenging times bring unique opportunities and we are delighted that Sean is joining us. Sean has proven experience and will significantly strengthen our management team."

Sean Coyle commented:"Aer Lingus has a clear strategy for growth and my experience, within the sector, equips me to contribute immediately towards delivering on its objectives. The Group has one of the strongest capital structures within the industry to deliver growth and to successfully navigate through the current challenging operating environment."