A strike by the Island's only direct air carrier to Britain could begin on Wednesday.

Britain's Press Association news agency reported yesterday that talks aimed at thwarting a strike by British Airways cabin crew had broken down.

The breakdown made it very likely that the cabin crew will go ahead with the first of their planned three day strikes on Wednesday -- putting the airline's Thursday night flight to the Island at risk.

Last week, British Airways submitted proposals to the cabin crew's Transport and General Workers' Union in a bid to end the five-month-old dispute over pay and work conditions.

The British mediation service ACAS, which was called in last week to help avert the strike, was overseeing the latest round of talks in a hotel in southern England.

British Airways manager in Bermuda Philip Troake last night declined to comment on the latest development until he was full apprised of the situation.

On Friday, Mr. Troake said the first cabin crew action had been set for Wednesday to Friday of next week.

He had admitted: "It could possibly affect our scheduled flight on July 10.'' But he had said the airline had "quite robust'' contingency plans to keep planes airborne even if cabin crew down tools.

Mr. Troake said: "It is anticipated that, whatever happens, we should be able to operate services and we intend to operate all of them.

"If we can't operate all our services, we will look after all our passengers as best we can -- even if we have to use other carriers.'' And he urged passengers worried about possible disruption not to change their travel plans.

Mr. Troake said: "That is something which shouldn't happen yet -- we have quite robust contingency plans in the event of a strike taking place.'' The airline -- which is the only direct link between Bermuda and the UK -- is trying to save $1.7 billion by 2000 and the squeeze has put it into conflict with ground and air staff.

ROBUST PLAN -- British Airways manager Phillip Troake