Aer Lingus chair and chief executive Sean Doyle will succeed Cruz as chief executive, and will take over as chair after a transition period as part of a wider management shake-up at IAG as it navigates what IAG chief Luis Gallego described as "the worst crisis" in the history of the airline industry.

Fernando Candela, chief executive of fellow IAH carrier Level, will join the group’s management committee and has been appointed to the newly-created role of chief transformation officer.

Daniel Moriarty, Aer Lingus chief corporate affairs officers, has been appointed interim chief executive of the Irish carrier, with a permanent appointment to be announced in due course.

"We’re navigating the worst crisis faced in our industry and I’m confident these internal promotions will ensure IAG is well placed to emerge in a strong position," said Gallego, who took over from IAG chief Willie Walsh last month.

"I want to thank Alex for all he has done at British Airways. He worked tirelessly to modernise the airline in the years leading up to the celebration of its 100th anniversary. Since then, he has led the airline through a particularly demanding period and has secured restructuring agreements with the vast majority of employees."

Gallego said Doyle would bring "extensive experience" to the top role at BA after working there for 20 years before moving over to head up Aer Lingus nearly two years ago.

Candela, meanwhile, brings 25 years of aviation experience to the new at IAG, said Gallego.

"He will coordinate change across the group, focusing on creating a company fit for a different future and ready to take advantage of new opportunities."

Candela will remain as Level chief in the interim.

Cruz was appointed BA chair and chief executive in April 2016. He was chief executive of IAG carrier Vueling from 2009 when it merged with Clickair, which was founded by Cruz in 2006.

Prior to his involvement with IAG, Cruz started his career at American Airlines for whom he worked for 10 years before taking up a variety of consultancy roles throughout travel.