Aer Lingus chief executive Christoph Mueller will headline the 2013 World Travel Market Airline Programme.

Mueller will discuss how he’s delivered strong and improve growth for the Irish flag carrier despite its set of unique challenges as part of a session at the event.

Entitled ‘Airlines in transition: pushing the boundaries, facing the challenges’ will take place on Tuesday November 5th at 15:30 in Platinum Suite 3 & 4.

The airline’s majority shareholder Ryanair wants to take over the company, which Mueller and his management team are against.

Furthermore, Aer Lingus’ home market of Ireland is suffering severe economic problems.

Despite this challenging backdrop, Mueller – a former senior TUI executive – led the airline to a 2012 profit of 69.1 million euros with a record 10.8 million passengers.

Mueller will explain how he’s been able to lead the airline to such success despite the company’s macro challenges, while also discussing the wider aviation and travel industry issues, while also looking to the future.

He is part of a heavyweight panel which also features Air Malta chief executive Peter Davies and Icelandair chief executive Birkir Hólm Guðnason.

It will be chaired by WTM aviation expert, John Strickland, director of JLS Consulting.

Strickland has held senior positions in a number of airlines during his 30 years in the sector including British Caledonian, British Airways, KLM and Buzz.

Reed Travel Exhibitions, director, World Travel Market, Simon Press said: “I am delighted Christoph will be sharing his success and challenges he faces with World Travel Market’s delegates.

“His experience in both aviation and the wider travel industry will be a great insight, providing a must-attend session.

“Equally, the challenges Iceland’s Birkir experienced around the Volcanic Ash Cloud and the country’s financial problems will be great insight to WTM delegates.”