WILLIE WALSH TO BE APPOINTED

British Airways PLC
08 March 2005



WILLIE WALSH TO BE APPOINTED CHIEF EXECUTIVE


British Airways today announced the appointment of Willie Walsh as its new chief
executive officer.

Mr Walsh, previously CEO of Aer Lingus, begins as chief executive designate on
May 3.  Rod Eddington will retire at the end of September at which stage Mr
Walsh will become chief executive.

Martin Broughton, the airline's chairman, said: 'Willie has an outstanding
reputation in the airline industry around the world for the way in which he
transformed the fortunes of Aer Lingus from a high-cost underperforming carrier
into a successful and profitable entity.

'Many commentators have rightly said that Rod Eddington will be a hard act to
follow but I am completely confident that in Willie we have captured the very
best person for the job.

'Rod has performed miracles at British Airways and he will leave us with the
best wishes of the board, the workforce and our shareholders.  Rod has
transformed our business beyond recognition through his determined focus to
drive out costs whilst ensuring the airline never loses sight of the highest
standards of customer service.

'Following the tragedies of 9/11 many commentators expected Aer Lingus to follow
airlines such as Swissair and Sabena into oblivion but Willie salvaged the Irish
carrier and saved thousands of jobs.

'Willie was determined that Aer Lingus had to provide what its customers
demanded and that was a low price for an air ticket.  At British Airways he will
focus his efforts and energies on what our customer base demands which are
quality service and value for money.'

Rod Eddington said: 'I am delighted that Willie has agreed to join British
Airways and replace me as CEO and I look forward to working with him during our
handover.'

Willie Walsh said: 'This is an outstanding opportunity to be at the helm of what
many people see as the best airline in the world and I'm very excited at the
prospect of joining the team.'

Irish-born Willie Walsh, 43, joined Aer Lingus as a 17 year old cadet pilot in
1979 and worked through the ranks to become a captain in 1990.

He was appointed as CEO of Futura, Aer Lingus' charter airline in Spain in 1998.
  Willie returned to Dublin as Aer Lingus' chief operating officer in 2000 and
became CEO in the aftermath of 9/11.

Married with one nine year old daughter, Willie has an MSc in management and
business administration from Trinity College, Dublin which he undertook whilst
working as a pilot for Aer Lingus.


ends

March 8, 2005

                                                         018/IB/05


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