RYANAIR has announced that Howard Millar, the airline's deputy chief executive and chief financial officer, is to step down in December after 23 years with the group.

Boss Michael O'Leary described Mr Millar as a "pioneer in the development of low fare air travel in Europe". Mr Millar has been invited to remain on the Ryanair board as non-executive director from the middle of next year.

He will be replaced as chief financial officer by Neil Sorahan, who is promoted from his finance director role at the carrier.