British Airways has struck a deal with unions that means that up to 80% of BA cabin crew, ground staff, engineers and those working at headquarters will have their jobs suspended.
The furlough falls under the UK government scheme which covers 80% of someone's salary capped at a maximum of £2,500a month.
The GMB union said the announcement of the furlough, which will impact more than 30,000 British Airways workers, as a ‘relief’.
Nadine Houghton, GMB national officer said, “GMB members working for BA are relieved to finally be nearing some sort of certainty after what has been an extremely worrying time.
“But there are significant challenges for the aviation industry and whilst this current deal gives security for BA staff now, the Government can’t take its eye off the ball.