BAA says it hopes that an agreement can be concluded quickly
We are enjoy now this Union and BAA set for talks to avert airports strike
Talks are due to begin later in an attempt to avert a strike that could close six UK airports later this month.
The talks between BAA and the Unite union - backed by the conciliation service Acas - are set to take place at an undisclosed location.
Security staff, engineers, and firefighters have voted to strike over a 1.5% pay offer.
Strikes could close Heathrow, Stansted, Southampton, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen airports, BAA has warned.
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BAA said it hoped to "quickly conclude an agreement, in the interests of the travelling public, our airlines and our staff".
The two sides will begin efforts to reach a settlement on the same day that members of Unite are scheduled to meet to discuss strike tactics.
If Unite decides to announce strike dates after that meeting, walkouts could begin in the week beginning 23 August, as it has to give the company seven days' notice.
Some analysts have suggested that Unite may target the August Bank Holiday weekend starting on 28 August for the maximum impact, but the union's leaders have refused to confirm that.
If strikes do take place, the six airports would have to close because essential workers such as firefighters and security staff are due to take part.
BAA has said it regrets "the uncertainty this vote has already caused our passengers and airline customers".
On a turnout of about 50%, Unite members voted by three to one in favour of strike action.
The union describes BAA's offer of a pay rise worth up to 1.5% as "measly".
But BAA says it is a fair proposal after a year in which it has seen a decline in passengers due to the impacts of recession and volcanic ash.
Coppied by http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-10982663
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