SIR Michael Bishop began his airline career at Manchester Airport in 1963 by setting up an aircraft handling business for a locally based airline. When the airline was taken over in 1964 by British Midland, he joined the new company and has remained there ever since. In 1969, Bishop was appointed general manager of British Midland and became a director in 1970, managing director in 1972 and chairman in 1978.
He is also deputy chairman of Airtours Plc and a non-executive director of Williams Plc. From 1991-1997 he was a board member of Channel 4 Television.
Bishop was awarded the CBE in 1986 and knighted in 1991. He is an honorary companion of the Royal Aeronautical Society, fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, fellow of the Chartered Institute of Transport, freeman of the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators and an honorary member of the Royal Society of Musicians of Great Britain.