Annual Report 1999 in PDF - Aer Lingus

These alliances are structured to provide Aer Lingus customers with a truly global network offully co-ordinated services. I expect that membership of oneworld, which we regarded as thebest alliance fit following detailed consideration of all our options, will provide major benefitsin terms of securing the loyalty of our existing customer base and of attracting new business.In the increasingly competitive industry environment, we must maintain strict control of ourcosts as we grow the business to the benefit of all stakeholders.AcknowledgementsGarry Cullen resigned as Group Chief Executive in February 2000 and I would like toacknowledge his dedicated service throughout his career in Aer Lingus.There has been a number of changes of personnel on the Board since I last reported. I wouldlike to thank and pay tribute to Aidan Dolan, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn and Jim O’Leary fortheir significant contribution to the work of the Board during their respective terms.I would like to welcome Captain Dermot Rafferty who joined the Board as a directly electedDirector. I would also like to welcome Michael Foley both to the Board and as Group ChiefExecutive. Mr. Foley is a highly experienced and accomplished international businessman.He brings to the company a promising blend of international business and public companyexperience, to lead an already strong management team through the challenges that lie ahead.John O’Donovan, Group Financial Director has also been appointed to the Board. I believe itstrengthens the Board considerably to have the experience and abilities of two seniorexecutives at the most senior level of the Group.I would like to express my thanks to the Minister for Public Enterprise, Mary O’Rourke, T.D. andto the officials of the Departments of Public Enterprise and Finance who provided muchvaluable support during the year.I also want to express my thanks to our customers. We are firmly committed to putting theirinterests first as the only way of guaranteeing a prosperous future for the Group.Finally, I would like to thank the employees of Aer Lingus - the people who make thingshappen for all stakeholders in this business. Through focus, commitment and sheer hard work,the people in Aer Lingus have brought the company to the stage where it can play a full andvital role at the start of the new millennium.Bernie CahillChairman5