Willie Walsh has been decorated for his work in merging British Airways with Iberia.
No, he hasn’t been knighted (yet) but the new chief executive officer of International Airlines Group was today handed the Encomienda de Número of the Spanish Order of Isabella the Catholic by the ambassador of Spain Carles Casajuana.
And here he is, on the right, with his gong.
Walsh was handed the prestigious honour along with chairman Antonio Vazquez, Casajuana announcing: “This award acknowledges Mr Vazquez’s and Mr Walsh’s personal engagement in the successful completion of the British Airways-Iberia merger which bears witness and undoubtedly will contribute to enhance the profound bilateral relations between our two countries."
Walsh added: “It’s a tremendous honour to receive this award which I accept not only on a personal level but also on behalf of everyone who has worked so hard to make the merger a reality. Our merger was created from the positive relationship that British Airways and Iberia have had for more than a decade. However, that is nothing compared to the long and fruitful relationship between the United Kingdom and Spain and I’m delighted that IAG can enhance that relationship even further”.
Travelmole wonders what disgruntled BA cabin crew, currently locked in dispute with their employer over pay, conditions and, oh, a whole raft of things, make of the touching moment.
by Dinah Hatch
