AIRBUS is in talks with union chiefs over the hundreds of jobs which could be affected when the firm stops making one of its flagship aircraft models.

The company announced last month that it is to cease production of its 'superjumbo' A380 aircraft in 2021.

A spokesman for Airbus said: "In recent weeks we’ve been looking at the positions potentially impacted over the next three years in Broughton Plant, which is in the low hundreds, and are currently looking at how we respond to the changes.

"We are looking at this in parallel to changes in other programmes such as single aisle and A350 which continue to ramp up.

"This is an ongoing piece of work we are doing in partnership with our Trade Unions and once the work is finalised, our first priority will be to communicate with our workforce.

"In the meantime, whilst it is impossible to guarantee the role of all employees, it is important to point out that Broughton Plant has successfully managed similar circumstances in the past."

The announcement over the A380 was met with disappointment from North Wales politicians.

Minister for Economy and Transport Ken Skates said: “Airbus is one of the crown jewels of the Welsh economy. "The many thousands of high quality jobs it supports both directly at its sites in Broughton and in Newport, as well as in the wider supply chain, are hugely important to Wales.

“While news that production of the Airbus A380 will come to an end in 2021 is disappointing, I know that the superb management and workforce, the high productivity levels of the plants in Wales and their excellent industrial relations put them in a strong position to develop for the future."