British Airways chief executive Willie Walsh has pledged that the airline will operate all its long-haul services if cabin crew union Unite does go ahead with another wave of strikes over the summer.

Talks between BA and Unite broke down last night, but speaking at the Business Travel Market in London today, Walsh said he was confident that enough cabin crew would defy another strike to keep the airline flying.

In the last wave of strikes, which ended on June 9, BA operated all its services from Gatwick and London City airport. From Heathrow, it operated 60% of short-haul and 80% of long-haul.

"If there is future industrial action we will build on that and we aim to fly 100% of long-haul services," he said. "If Unite threatens to take future industrial action I'm confident the vast majority of people at BA and individual cabin crew will come togehter to keep our customers flying."

Walsh also thanked the travel trade for its support during the last wave of strikes and through the ash cloud crisis.
 
He said: "I really appreciate the support you have shown BA in recent months. It has been a difficult time for us all and you have stayed loyal to BA and we appreceiate the patience shown by customers and travel buyers and I really do want to thank you."