All change at the top in pilots' union

The newly elected general secretary airline pilots' union BALPA stepped down at his first national executive meeting last month.

John Frohnsdorff won a surprise victory over incumbent Chris Darke. He polled 2,953 votes to Darke's 1,414. However, as promised, he declined the position, saying he had only stood for election "to bring about change" in the union.

It is thought many members are angry about the growth of recruitment of pilots who are not employed by British Airways, who used to dominate BALPA membership but now account for only around half.

The national executive meets this month to nominate a new general secretary and hopes to avoid another contest.