Annual Report 1999 in PDF - Aer Lingus

Message from theGroup Chief ExecutiveI am joining Aer Lingus at a time of rapid change for both the Group and the industry as awhole. This change presents many challenges and opportunities and I look forward to leadingthe airline through this most exciting of journeys.I am particularly excited to be joining Aer Lingus during its transition from a State ownedcompany to a publicly quoted one. Aer Lingus has identified the necessity for new capital tofacilitate the growth and development of the airline. The IPO will enable Aer Lingus to accesscapital markets in order to facilitate this growth.While Aer Lingus has long operated in a very competitive business environment, the airline hasdemonstrated an ability to maintain a strong market position and record healthy results.I believe there continues to be considerable growth potential for full service airlines such asAer Lingus within the current industry climate. However, as a leader in customer servicestandards, we must continue to turn the growth potential into results by focussing clearly onour customers.Important new strategies have been adopted in recent years to ensure that the airline isresponsive to its customers needs, that it does so in a consistently professional way and that itmanages its business effectively and efficiently.Our aim is to be the first choice airline for passenger and cargo customers on all the routes weoperate, to be recognised as a world class, full service airline, to provide high quality customercare at every stage of the travel experience, to offer a global route network with our alliancepartners and to operate a consistent, reliable and safe airline. The bottom line is that if weachieve these objectives, I believe we can continue to achieve profitable growth and enhanceshareholder value.Michael FoleyGroup Chief Executive7