British Airways pilots have overwhelmingly accepted 2.6 per cent pay cuts as part of a package of measures to save the airline £26 million, it was announced today.

The British Airline Pilots Association (Balpa) said its members voted by more than nine to one in favour of the pay cut, as well as a reduction of 20 per cent in some allowances.

Balpa said the turnout in the ballot was 83 per cent, with the result announced ahead of BA's annual meeting tomorrow.