Aer Lingus is expected to name a new chief executive today when the airline's executive chairman, John Sharman, presents the annual report and accounts for 2004.

Dermot Mannion, an experienced executive with Dubai-based airline Emirates, is expected to take up the position, although Aer Lingus has so far declined to comment.

Mr Mannion, from Sligo, is an accountant with wide experience in the airline business. He is currently president (group support services) at Emirates.

Mr Mannion would succeed Willie Walsh who left Aer Lingus earlier this year. He is to become British Airways chief executive designate next month.