Balpa’s BA members staged a two-day walkout over Monday and Tuesday this week (9-10 September) – the first strike by BA pilots for 40 years.

BA was forced to cancel the vast majority of its flights during the strike, and has warned of knock-on effects later into the week.

The union has been in dispute with BA for several months over pay and conditions. Balpa says BA is failing to adequately reward its pilots for helping deliver BA and owner IAG’s record profits.

BA has previously accused Balpa of refusing to agree to talks without preconditions, while Balpa says BA has repeatedly refused to reconvene at government conciliation service Acas late last week.

Balpa said support from pilots for the strikes had been “virtually 100% solid” following its second day of action on Tuesday.

“Balpa calls on BA to return to negotiations with something positive to resolve this dispute and try to prevent the next strike action on 27 September,” said the union in a statement.

“Should British Airways refuse meaningful negotiations, further strike dates will be considered by the Balpa national executive team.”

BA has reiterated its readiness to talk with Balpa.