Willie Walsh took over the reins of British Airways as CEO in October 2005 .
Willie Walsh faced a number of major challenges , including a global downturn , increased competition ( from low cost carriers in Europe and premium carriers worldwide ) , increasing oil prices and taxes .
Willie Walsh took over the reins of British Airways as CEO in October 2005 , and faced a number of major challenges , including a global downturn , increased competition ( from low cost carriers in Europe and premium carriers worldwide ) , increasing oil prices and taxes .