Jim McAuslan, General Secretary of the British Airline Pilots' Association, comments on the results of British Airways.

'We are extremely concerned about the implications for our members of what we have heard today. British Airways is facing an unprecedented downturn in trading and this will make the task of agreeing cost-saving measures even more challenging.

'We will nonetheless continue to work with the Company to try and find solutions which will mitigate the effects of the economic downturn on our members.

'In particular, we will be seeking to avoid any compulsory measures and ensure that changes agreed by our members are recognised as an investment by them in the Company's future. We believe that if pilots are to share the pain then they must, when conditions improve, share the gain.'

BBC NEWS REPORT

Further information from Keith Bill on 020 8656 0860 or 07968 528 527