The carrier said a Christmas strike in a row over pay would “fail”, as it aims to operate a full service as normal.

Members of the Unite union who work in BA’s mixed fleet are expected to walk out on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Talks to resolve the dispute between BA and Unite have continued at conciliation service Acas, but the airline’s chief Alex Cruz said: "We are making sure that this attempt to ruin Christmas for thousands of our customers fails,” Sky News reported.

“Over the weekend we have been working on detailed contingency plans to ensure that we are able to operate our normal flight programme from all our airports on both Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

"We urge Unite to abandon this strike call, which is serving only to cause anxiety among our mixed fleet cabin crew colleagues.

"Our mixed fleet crew do a tremendous job for our customers. They earn a competitive salary package, with all crew working full-time receiving a minimum of £21,000 a year.

"We are seeking to improve this package and we encourage Unite to start a positive dialogue with us about our proposals."

Meanwhile Acas is also due to host talks today (Tuesday) between Unite and Swissport, in a bid to prevent a walkout by baggage handlers and other ground staff at 18 airports prepare to strike on Friday and Christmas Eve.