May I say past the age of 28-30 Airlines won't even look at you for sponsorship. This is not a downer on older candidates as they have more experience in life and have a proven track record of professionalism. Like you say your extensive managerial experience would definatly hold alot of weight in your favour. However an airline will only sponsor a younger candidate because they have more flying experience left in them. Therefore the airlines really get their worth after investing the best part of 50K into you.
CAN I PLEASE STRESS this is not a complete bar to Airline entry. Sadly though you are looking at having to self fund your training like everyone else. Your age isn't a problem. I know of someone who got his first airline job when he was 52. This guy had guts to invest all the time and money into flying, and thinking of him reminds me that if you want to do something and really want it you just have to go and get it.
Another person I know of retired from one of the emergancy services in his mid forties and payed for his training and walked straight into the right hand seat of one of the UK's leading Airlines.
I suggest you find out about Modular Training and then get back to us with any questions.