British Airways passengers face the prospect of major disruptions after the airline's pilots voted for strike action in a row over pay and conditions.

The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) voted overwhelmingly in favor of industrial action over British Airways' plans for its new transatlantic subsidiary carrier, OpenSkies, BALPA saud in a statement.

The union said it supported the launch of the service but opposed BA's intention to recruit lower paid pilots.

'We have seen it happening around the world,' said BALPA General Secretary Jim McAuslan. 'BA pilots are determined not to let the same thing happen to them and to their families."

"BA pilots are saying loud and clear that they will not tolerate what has happened elsewhere."

In a statement, BA said no dates had been set for the potential action and said the union must give seven days notice before any action can take place.

"We understand that any threat of industrial action is extremely unsettling for our customers," BA said. "We will do everything we can do to minimize the disruption to our customers."