British Airways say they “are extremely pleased with today’s High Court ruling that the modest changes we made to onboard crew numbers on flights from Heathrow were reasonable, did not breach crew contracts and can remain in place.

Unite’s central demand over the last three months has been that we reverse these changes, despite the severe financial impact this would have on the company at a time when we are facing a second year of record annual losses.

Unite’s arguments as to why the changes should be reversed have been considered in great detail by the Court – and rejected.

Unite brought this case to Court. We believe it should reflect on the Court’s decision rather than impose an unnecessary strike on the travelling public.”

Talks continue under the auspices of the TUC.