British Airways is embroiled in a fresh row over the outsourcing of jobs after union leaders accused the airline of "degrading" its workforce.
External company Capita said on Tuesday it has entered an "exclusive engagement" to explore outsourcing jobs at BA call centres, a move which could reportedly affect 1,400 jobs.
The GMB union has blasted the airline after a global IT failure grounded flights at airports around the world, blaming the crash on BA cutting “hundreds of dedicated and loyal" IT staff.
Hundreds of holidaymakers were left stranded in the capital after the crash caused widespread chaos at Heathrow and Gatwick airports last month.
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Any deal would likely see the airline's call centres in Manchester and Newcastle, which employ 1,400 people, outsourced to Capita.
British Airways said no "decision has been made" but that the airline was reviewing its operations at call centres.
The GMB union repeated its call to BA's parent firm, IAG, to halt any planned outsourcing of jobs.
National officer Mick Rix said: "British Airways seems to want to become a virtual reality airline, with no employment responsibility, and this plan further degrades the value of work and what work means to staff and passengers alike.
"Despite record profits, this is the latest penny-wise and pound-foolish plan from IAG and is consistent with those that led to the IT meltdown.
"Hard-working, loyal and dedicated GMB members are to be rewarded with the outsourcing of their jobs to the lowest price bidder.
"IAG appears to have learnt none of the lessons of the outsourcing and offshoring of hundreds of IT jobs which resulted in 75,000 passengers worldwide being stranded."
About 75,000 people were affected by the three days of disruption in May when British Airways' computer system crashed
Travellers complained of being charged hundreds to stay in London hotels during the disruption.
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A spokeswoman said: "To ensure we can offer the highest standards of service to customers, taking advantage of the latest developments in technology, we are conducting a review of our global call centre operations.
"As part of this review we are talking with Capita about the services they provide. We are looking for the best option for our customers. No decision has been made."
