British Airways has asked conciliation service ACAS to help resolve a dispute with cabin crew over new pension plans and working conditions.
Members of the Transport and General Workers' Union (T&G) plan to walk out on January 29th-31st and are also considering two additional 72-hour strikes.
"We've spoken with ACAS and we've asked ACAS to get involved to assist in these talks, and I would hope the T&G will welcome that initiative," British Airways (BA) chief executive Willie Walsh told BBC Radio 4.
T&G deputy general secretary Jack Dromey said the union was open to talks but that the two sides needed to resolve some "immediate and very difficult issues" including "unfair sickness management procedures.
"In the next 48 to 72 hours, we need a settlement."
Last week, the union said 96 per cent of the cabin crew it represents had voted in favour of strike action over issues that include sick-leave policies and a new pension proposal from the airline.
BA, Europe's third-biggest airline, says it will make a one-time contribution of £800 million into its pension fund in return for changes to benefits as part of a plan to lower its £2.1 billion deficit to £900 million.