Parent international Airlines Group said the move followed consultation with its trade unions and employees.

The new scheme incorporates a new defined contribution pension scheme, and will open on April 1, 2018.

It replaces the main UK defined benefit scheme, the New Airways Pension Scheme (NAPS), and the main UK defined contribution scheme, the British Airways Retirement Plan (BARP).

The changes are subject to NAPS trustees agreeing to amend the scheme’s rules to enable

closure to future accrual.

BA said in a statement: “The new scheme will offer market-competitive arrangements with a choice of contribution rates and the ability to opt for cash instead of a pension.

“Active NAPS members will also be offered a choice of transition arrangements including a cash lump sum, additional company pension contributions or additional pension benefits in NAPS prior to its closure.

“The overall financial impact on British Airways will depend, in part, on the transition arrangements members select.”