British Airways is ready to face any cabin crew strike that may otherwise hamper services.

The airline's Chief Executive Willie Walsh stated yesterday, "A thousand British Airways staff will have completed cabin crew training by next week to keep flights going in the event of a strike".

In a clear message to the Unite union, he said, "A strike will not ground this airline", replying to the Union's threat to bring "British Airways to its knees" with a strike by a 12,000 cabin crew, later this month.

Showcasing his tough stance, he said that "all strikers will permanently lose their generous perks - including-special BA fares for themselves and immediate family which cost a tenth of what customers pay. He urged Unite to listen to reason and remove the strike threat".

Talking in person to employees at a staff forum at BA's Heathrow headquarters, backed up by an email to the entire workforce, the Chief Executive gave in on his plan.

The e-mail by Walsh read, "If a strike comes, we are as prepared as we can be. I do not want this strike".

But he warned, "We are prepared to do whatever we can to keep British Airways flying in the interests of our customers. Let there be no doubt. A strike will not ground this airline".