His remarks came after Standard Life announced it has drawn up contingency plans around independence, including the possibility of moving some of its operations out of Scotland. The pensions giant, which is based in Edinburgh, has admitted to having concerns over the possibility of independence, including the currency and the tax regime. BA's parent company IAG, posted a profit of £433million in 2013, compared with losses of around £506 million the previous year. The company employs around 1,300 staff in Scotland, including aircraft engineers and cabin crew. Irishman Mr Walsh sparked controversy in 2012, when he presided over British Airways' £172million takeover of bmi British Midland, a move that cost around 1,200 jobs. And in 2004, while chief executive of Ireland's national carrier, Aer Lingus, he axed 1,300 jobs in a major restructuring plan. The Scottish Government's Transport Minister, Keith Brown, welcomed Mr Walsh's remarks, adding: "Willie Walsh can clearly see the opportunities of independence.