British Airways faced cockpit union British Air Line Pilots' Association in court this week as it sought to block potential strike action over the creation of its transatlantic subsidiary OpenSkies.

The High Court in London was hearing BALPA's case that a strike would be a valid response to BA's plans to set up the new carrier. BALPA says it is not expecting a ruling until June.

OpenSkies is to begin operating between New York and Paris from 19 June. BALPA is not against the establishment of OpenSkies but is against BA's plans to recruit pilots externally.

BA sought to block any planned strike by referring to European Union law prohibiting restrictions on creating subsidiaries and BALPA has turned to the court to secure a judgement.

BA Openskies 757
 © A J Best



Source: Flight International