Virgin Atlantic is seeking a court injunction to stop a series of planned strikes by some of its pilots over the Christmas period.
Members of the Professional Pilots Union (PPU) are due to stage a series of walkouts in a row over union recognition.
They are expected to start on Saturday and continue into the New Year.
The PPU, which represents around a third of Virgin's 960 pilots, wants the airline to recognise it so it can negotiate for pay and conditions on behalf of its members.
The airline said it expects most of its pilots will work normally, adding that only 16 percent of its pilots had voted to take strike action.
Some pilots will take on extra work to protect flights and Virgin has leased two additional aircraft to be used if needed during any strike, as part of contingency plans.
A spokesman said: "Our priority is to ensure that our customers can complete their travel plans this Christmas, regardless of any proposed industrial action.
"We've secured additional aircraft that, if required, will provide extra capacity to make sure all of our customers can reach their final destinations."
The first strike is due to last from Saturday to Christmas Day, followed by a series of stoppages in January, February and early March.
