The Dutch pilots union VNV has reached agreement on a new pay deal with Air France-KLM, heading off the threat of strikes.

Dutch pilots said in August they would consider taking industrial action unless the airline employed more staff to ease the pressure of work and improve breaks between flights.

The union said on Tuesday that a mediator had helped structure an agreement, under which longer rest periods would come into effect earlier than planned. Insiders told the Telegraaf the deal may also include a 4% pay rise and that the airline has committed to taking on 370 more pilots.

The deal must still be approved by members but the union said it would not take any more steps to organise a strike in the meantime.