"The seven days' notice period is sufficient time for BA management to do the sensible thing and reopen meaningful negotiations, " they added.

BBC: British Airways strike dates announced

In 2004, Swansea Institute said it was dropping its BA in surf and beach management to protect its image because people had been "poking fun at it".

BBC: Graduation (generic)

In mid-June BA unloaded Go in a management buyout.

FORBES: Proving Papa Wrong

Six months ago, though, BA subsidiary Speedwing took over the management of Olympic and believes to have engineered a turn-around.

BBC: BA opts for Olympic

An 18-month dispute between British Airways and its cabin crew that led to the disruption of BA flights last year seemed set to end following negotiations between unions and management.

ECONOMIST: Business this week

Finally, having started with a clean sheet, Emirates has a flat management structure and the kind of flexible, highly productive workforce that carriers such as strike-torn BA and high-cost Lufthansa can only dream of.

ECONOMIST: Aviation in the Gulf: Rulers of the new silk road | The