British-based cabin crew at Japan Airlines yesterday announced they walk out over an “insulting” pay offer.

The staff, Unite members based at London’s Heathrow Airport, voted 4-1 to take strike action.

The dispute focuses on the miserly rise awarded to long-serving crew, who are set to see their pay packets inflate by just £96 a year. The lowest paid, who earn only £9,000 a year, were given £285 by stingy bosses.

Unite regional officer Simon McCartney said: “Loyal cabin crew feel totally undervalued and insulted by this pay offer, which fails to recognise their hard work on some of the airline’s most profitable routes.

“Feelings are running high and the airline needs to get back around the negotiating table or face the real possibility of a vote in favour of industrial action.”

Japan Airlines, which reported a £1 billion profit last year, did not respond to the Star’s request for comment.