Leasing aircraft and crew also an option
British Airways (BA) has asked its office-based staff to volunteer as cabin crew, in case of a strike by Unite members, ABTN was the first to report.
BA sent the SOS to staff, after talks with the union stalled.
A BA spokesperson told ABTN: "BA is asking for volunteers to train.
"We're looking at a number of options, and that could include temporary wet leasing aircraft, so leasing a third party aircraft with its own crew, and also training other members of staff as crew."
The volunteers would work alongside existing cabin crew who are prepared to cross the picket line.
"We will provide assistance from those cabin crew who wish to work normally," said the airline.
BA added it would "explore all options to enable us to operate the best flying programme possible under the circumstances.
"Our priority is to keep as much of our operation running as effectively as possible, for the sake of our customers' interests."
www.ba.com