British Airways has pledged to keep 75 percent of its flights in operation during a four-day strike by cabin crew that began on Saturday, March 27, ahead of a busy Easter travel period.

The airline said 180,000 of the 240,000 passengers will be able to maintain their travel plans. Another 18 percent have been rebooked on other airlines or rescheduled.

"At the same time, I feel really sorry for those customers whose plans have been ruined by the Unite union's completely unjustified action," said British Airways chief Willie Walsh.

Employees represented by trade union Unite are striking for the second time in less than a month after talks broke down during the week. The union is protesting cuts intended to save 62.5 million pounds (69.7 million euros, $92.76 million) that the airline says are made necessary by weak demand, erratic fuel prices, and increasing competition.

A statement from Unite said the strike would cost between 15 and 20 million pounds per day.

"Unite believes that the company has embarked on an ambitious and expensive attempt to destroy trade unionism among its cabin crew," the statement said. "Some may perhaps see this as a price worth paying if trade unionism is fatally weakened in part of BA's operations."

BA disputed Unite's estimate and said the cost could only be determined after the strike has ended. It also denied that it was attempting to break the union.

svs/AFP/Reuters

Editor: Toma Tasovac