Name: Sir Michael Bishop.

Age: 58.

Background: Sir Michael bought 75 per cent of British Midland in 1978 for £1.87 million sterling, when it was worth £2.5 million. Today his 56 per cent stake is worth more than £255 million. The entire airline is valued at £491 million. A former chairman of Channel 4, with a slew of directorships, he is also a member of the pro-euro campaign in Britain.

Why he is in the news: British Midland recently joined the Star alliance, perceived by many as the strongest grouping of global airlines, and it plans moving into the lucrative transatlantic market next year.

The future: While major consolidation in the global aviation business is likely, Sir Michael is comfortable with British Midlands' status as a privately-owned company. He says the company and its niche in full-service business can survive in a industry dominated by ever-larger players.