A member of British Airways’ staff has appeared in court, charged with planning suicide attacks on the flag-carrier’s aircraft.

Prosecutors claim Bangladesh-born Rajib Karim, of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, sought to take advantage of a proposed strike at British Airways, volunteering as a stand-in member of cabin crew.

Prosecutor Colin Gibbs claimed the 30-year-old had maintained contacts in both Pakistan and Yemen over the past four years; using his position with British Airways to share information, including British Airways’ security measures.

Mr Karim is also charged with collecting money and sending it to terrorist associates overseas.

The three charges are levelled under the Terrorism Act, and relate to four-year period, from April 13th 2006 to February 25th this year.

Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab

Investigations are also reportedly continuing into possible contact between Mr Karim and Yemeni militants.

Al-Qaeda is believed to have launched its failed attempt to bring down a US airliner over Detroit at Christmas from Yemen, an incident which saw the threat level in the UK raised to “severe”.

That attack was carried out by Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, a former student at University College London, who had explosives sewn into his underwear.

Karim spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth during the 15-minute hearing at London’s City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court and did not apply for bail.