Commenting on the move to take BALPA's dispute with BA to conciliation, Jim McAuslan, General Secretary of BALPA said:

'BALPA's resolve is strengthened by the support shown by BA pilots who voted overwhelmingly for strike action.

'BALPA will not squander the resolve of its BA pilot membership but wants to make every effort to find a negotiated settlement. This remains our firm intent.

'Conciliation will involve a third party (at present unspecified) to facilitate meaningful negotiations. It is not the same as binding arbitration.

'Should conciliation not progress in a timely and positive fashion, BALPA will be able to serve notice of action.

'Conciliation is planned to start within seven days.'