British Airways pilots to vote on strike action

Pilots at British Airways are set to vote in a ballot over whether to take strike action as a result of concerns about the new OpenSkies subsidiary.

Earlier this month, the airline announced that it will establish a new subsidiary carrier to operate flights between the European Union and the USA.

Pilots at the carrier engaged in talks with company officials to prevent the British Airways pilot body from being broken up as a result.

However, the British Airline Pilots' Association said the negotiations were "abortive" and is now balloting members on whether to carry out the first British Airways pilot strike since 1980.

Despite this, one expert has said it is unlikely the carrier will allow a strike to take place. Speaking to Radio 4's Today programme, former British Airways executive Derek Jewson said that "there will be an area that they can come to some agreement".

The news comes weeks after two separate air travel strikes - at BAA airports and at Virgin Virgin Atlantic - were averted, avoiding disruption for passengers across the UK.

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