British Airways (BA) Chief Executive Alex Cruz has stepped down from the role with immediate effect, owner International Airlines Group (IAG) has said.
IAG boss Luis Gallego said the shake-up came as the company navigated the worst crisis faced in our industry which has seen demand crushed by the coronavirus crisis and thousands of jobs axed.
BA’s new chief executive will be Sean Doyle, who is being brought in from Irish carrier Aer Lingus also part of IAG.
It was one of a series of management changes announced on Monday by Mr Gallego, who took over as IAG chief executive a month ago after the retirement of Willie Walsh.
Mr Gallego said: “We’re navigating the worst crisis faced in our industry and I’m confident these internal promotions will ensure IAG is well placed to emerge in a strong position.”
He said Mr Cruz had worked tirelessly to modernise the airline, adding that he had also led the airline through a particularly demanding period and has secured restructuring agreements with the vast majority of employees.
Mr Doyle, BA’s new boss, previously worked at the airline for 20 years before moving to head Aer Lingus two years ago.
Mr Cruz will remain non-executive chairman of BA for a transition period before also handing over that role to Mr Doyle. BA has been undergoing a painful restructuring as it counts the cost of the coronavirus crisis and slashes flight schedules.
It also said a total of up to 13,000 were expected to lose their roles at the airline, with more than 8,000 having already gone.
BA’s handling of the restructuring drew accusations of a despicable” fire-and-rehire approach, but Mr Cruz told MPs last month that it was on course to secure agreement with trade unions.
He also reiterated that the impact of the pandemic means it is fighting for its survival.
