The CEO of British Airways, Alex Cruz, has stepped down; the airline’s parent company said Monday.
The CEO of Aer Lingus, the Dublin-based airline also owned by International Airlines Group. Cruz, who was appointed chairman and chief executive of the flag-carrying airline in 2016; will be replaced by Sean Doyle.
BA’s new CEO worked for British Airways for 20 years in various roles, including as director of network; fleet; and alliances; before becoming Aer Lingus’ chief executive in January 2019.
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IAG CEO Luis Gallego said British Airways was “navigating the worst crisis faced in our industry .”
The airline, which employs 42,000 people, announced plans to cut up to 12,000 jobs in April.
This has since been increased to 13,000.
Gallego thanked Cruz for working “tirelessly to modernize the airline;” adding that he “has led the airline through a particularly demanding period.”
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Cruz told a government committee on September 16 that the virus; has devastated their business, sector; and we’re still fighting for our own survival;” adding that the company was burning through 20 million, or about $26 million, a day.
