British Airways is appealing for more volunteer cabin crew as a second wave of strikes looms, according to Sky sources.

Sky's home affairs correspondent Mark White said BA chief executive Willie Walsh has written to all members of BA staff urging more volunteers to come forward.

"He says 1,000 people have been trained already but he's opening it more widely to people around the UK, not just London-based employees, to train for cabin crew.


"Certainly, there's an indication here that Willie Walsh is in this for the long haul.

"There may be something afoot in terms of this being eked out even longer, and with a view, perhaps, to replacing some of those he considers troublesome cabin crew who are obviously determined to get a proper settlement.


"He (Walsh) says that as far as he's concerned there will be no settlement that includes the travel perks for staff."

A group of 95 academics has accused Mr Walsh of attempting to "break the union" which represents cabin crew.

White added: "I think they will see this appeal as perhaps an indication that he is indeed out to break the unions.

"I have to say that there are many people within BA, though, that would view breaking the unions to some extent as a positive step.

"This is a company in huge financial trouble with a pensions deficit."

The latest strike by members of the Unite union is due to start on Saturday.

The letter to staff says: "Volunteers are trained to meet all safety and legal requirements on the course, which could last up to 20 days, depending on previous experience and qualifications."

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