Commenting on negotiations over the financial challenge faced by British Airways, Jim McAuslan, General Secretary of the British Airline Pilots' Association (BALPA) said:

'BALPA recognises the difficult trading environment faced by BA. and agrees the need for a package of changes to help the company through the downturn and enable it to come out the other end as the world leader it can be.

'Detailed discussions continue and the outcome will be discussed by BALPA's leadership team on Thursday and will subsequently be put to membership ballot.

'The aim is to conclude a far reaching agreement by the end of the month.

'These are unusual times and they require unorthodox approaches. Pilots recognise this and we trust that it is recognised across the whole airline.' 

Further information from Keith Bill 020 8656 0860 or 07968 5228 527