The threat of strike action by pilots at Virgin Atlantic has been lifted by the union BALPA following a new pay offer.

Balpa said it will present the new deal to its members in the coming weeks, although details have not been announced.

Balpa general secretary Jim McAuslan said: “Pilots have never wished to inconvenience the travelling public, especially those looking forward to summer holidays. We have therefore lifted the threat of strike action.”

Last month, Virgin pilots voted overwhelmingly to go on strike for the first time in the airline’s history in a dispute about pay.

Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson had warned that the threatened strike would leave an “indelible scar” on the acompany.

Balpa members had voted for strike action in protest at a 4 percent pay rise following a number of pay freezes. Virgin Atlantic counters that the offer is twice the national average, and in addition to a share of company profits.

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