Air France-KLM executive Christine Ourmières is set to take the helm at Cityjet from the beginning of next month, the company said yesterday.

Ms Ourmières will take over as chief executive of the airline from its chairman Pat Byrne, who has been acting in the role since original incumbent Geoffrey O’Byrne White stepped down.

She has worked in the aviation industry for more than 20 years and held various roles at Air France- KLM, most recently as the airline’s vice president and general manager in the US.

Previous to that, she ran its Irish and British operations. Ms Ourmières said yesterday she looked forward to strengthening Cityjet’s operations in both markets.

Cityjet, owned by Air France-KLM, is based in Ireland and has 45 aircraft. It is the biggest operator in London City Airport.