easyJet, the UK’s largest airline, today announced that following the news that British Airways cabin crew are set to take industrial action, the airline will offer British Airways Executive Gold card holders free speedy boarding plus (priority check-in and boarding) on the days that BA crew strike.

Pilots at German flag-carrier Lufthansa have returned to work after just one day of a planned four-day strike, while French air traffic controllers and staff at British Airways consider their next move.

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.”

The American Department of Transport (DOT) has issued a tentative decision approving antitrust immunity for American Airlines and its oneworld partners, allowing the formation a global alliance. If granted final approval, the decision will allow the oneworld Alliance to join Star and SkyTeam – both of which have operated with antitrust immunity in the USA for some time – in the North American market.

British Airways has announced plans to establish Europe’s first sustainable jet-fuel plant, with ambitions to power part of its fleet from 2014. In partnership with the Solena Group, the UK flag-carrier will open a state-of-the-art facility that can convert a variety of waste materials, destined for landfill, into aviation fuel.

British Airways cabin crew laid off by the airline last year could be lured back in a bid to cover possible strike action. Former staff have been offered six-month contracts and would undergo a week of training starting 22 February.