British Airways pilots have set a course for a summer strike after two days of pay talks broke down.
Pilots union Balpa warned that a strike ballot would close on July 22, meaning a walkout could take place during the August summer peak flying period.
If pilots vote in favour of industrial action, the earliest that a stoppage could start is August 5.
Negotiations between the two sides aimed at resolving the dispute were held at the conciliation service Acas but failed to reach an agreement.
Pilots had rejected a pay rise worth 11.5% over three years, described by the airline as “fair and generous”.
Balpa general secretary Brian Strutton said: “It is bitterly disappointing that despite two full days at Acas we are still no further forward.
“Balpa tabled options for resolution but BA was not prepared to negotiate so there was no progress at all and no point continuing.
“Until BA changes its attitude there is little prospect of talks resuming.”
A BA spokesperson said: “We are disappointed that Balpa has walked away from conciliation with Acas.
“We remain open and flexible to find a solution to protect hard-working families looking forward to their summer breaks.”
All but around 500 of the airline’s 4,500 pilots belong to Balpa.
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