Robert Ayling
Encyclopedia
Robert John Ayling (born 3 August 1946) is a British businessman who has been involved in many high profile companies and organisations. Perhaps most notably, he was chief executive of British Airways
from 1996 to 2000.
Ayling was Group Managing Director and then Chief Executive of British Airways
from 1996 to 2000. A key policy of Ayling's time as CEO was the pursuit of a merger and establishment of a strategic alliance with American Airlines and BA’s investment in Iberia. In 1998 BA announced the establishment of its low-cost carrier, Go. Ayling was also the promoter of BA’s London Eye
project for the Millennium. In 2000 he was replaced at BA by Rod Eddington
.
Ayling was initially appointed a non-executive Director of Holidaybreak Plc, the specialist holiday and activity group, in February 2003, before becoming Chairman in June 2003. He retired from this role in April 2009 after serving two three-year terms.
British Airways
British Airways is the flag carrier airline of the United Kingdom, based in Waterside, near its main hub at London Heathrow Airport. British Airways is the largest airline in the UK based on fleet size, international flights and international destinations...
from 1996 to 2000.
Career
Ayling, a lawyer, began his career as a solicitor in private practice before joining the Department of Trade and Industry in 1973. In 1985 he joined British Airways, initially as Legal Director, but went on to hold a series of senior management positions including that of Director of Marketing and Operations.Ayling was Group Managing Director and then Chief Executive of British Airways
British Airways
British Airways is the flag carrier airline of the United Kingdom, based in Waterside, near its main hub at London Heathrow Airport. British Airways is the largest airline in the UK based on fleet size, international flights and international destinations...
from 1996 to 2000. A key policy of Ayling's time as CEO was the pursuit of a merger and establishment of a strategic alliance with American Airlines and BA’s investment in Iberia. In 1998 BA announced the establishment of its low-cost carrier, Go. Ayling was also the promoter of BA’s London Eye
London Eye
The London Eye is a tall giant Ferris wheel situated on the banks of the River Thames, in London, England.It is the tallest Ferris wheel in Europe, and the most popular paid tourist attraction in the United Kingdom, visited by over 3.5 million people annually...
project for the Millennium. In 2000 he was replaced at BA by Rod Eddington
Rod Eddington
Sir Roderick Ian Eddington is an Australian businessman. He is currently chair of the government body Infrastructure Australia, a director of News Corporation, continuing his long association with that company, and has served in other senior positions including as former CEO of British...
.
Ayling was initially appointed a non-executive Director of Holidaybreak Plc, the specialist holiday and activity group, in February 2003, before becoming Chairman in June 2003. He retired from this role in April 2009 after serving two three-year terms.