The two executives who left Aer Lingus earlier this year with Willie Walsh are in talks with several airlines about future opportunities.

Séamus Kearney, the airline's former chief operations officer, and Brian Dunne, former chief financial officer, have not ruled out setting up their own airline.

However, the appointment of Mr Walsh to British Airways makes this less likely.

In recent weeks, all three executives examined the idea of setting up a new low-cost carrier, most likely operating on the transatlantic, but the offer to Mr Walsh has altered the situation.

Raising funds without Mr Walsh would have proven difficult, aviation sources said yesterday.

Mr Dunne, a chartered accountant and former partner in Arthur Andersen, has held discussions with several airlines, but he is also believed to be looking at positions outside the airline business.

He is not expected to join British Airways along with Mr Walsh, at least in the immediate future.

Mr Dunne had only been with the airline since 2001 and may not remain in the airline business. He joined the Aer Lingus board in February 2004 and worked across a range of areas, particularly on the airline's short-haul fleet renewal deal with Airbus two years ago.

Mr Kearney, who has almost 20 years' experience at Aer Lingus, is also in talks with several airlines and other businesses. He has wide experience in route planning and also in industrial relations.