New flights chaos looms as angry BA pilots vote on crippling strike action

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A secret ballot by the British Airline Pilots' Association, which represents more than 3,000 BA pilots, is likely to result in a series of damaging 24-hour strikes, costing millions in lost revenue.

If they do go ahead, the strikes - which could begin as early as late February - will be the first by BA flight crew for almost 30 years.

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British Airways is facing a series of mass pilot walk-outs that could leave tens of thousands of passengers stranded across the world (file picture)

The ballot follows a breakdown in discussions over who will fly the aircraft for BA's new subsidiary, OpenSkies, which will operate from New York to Brussels or Paris from June.

BALPA is upset at plans to recruit OpenSkies' crew under different contracts to existing staff.

A union insider said last night: "The ballot result will show an overwhelming vote in favour of action which will cripple BA and cost them millions. Even moderate members say they'll strike."

A BA spokesman said the airline was "disappointed" by BALPA's decision.