British Airways to cut hundreds of job in Wales

British Airways Maintenance Cardiff (Image: Aviation Media Agency)
British Airways Maintenance Cardiff (Image: Aviation Media Agency)

British Airways is to begin a consultation process as it seeks to cut hundreds of jobs at its Engineering bases in Wales.

BA originally said that up to 1000 jobs could be shed but Welsh Economy Minister Ken Skates has said the figure would be nearer 400.

British Airways currently operates three sites across Wales that carry out maintenance to its long haul fleet Boeing aircraft, cabins and avionics.

Inside the Hangar at British Airways Maintenance Cardiff (Image: Aviation Media Agency)
Inside the Hangar at British Airways Maintenance Cardiff (Image: Aviation Media Agency)

British Airways Maintenance Cardiff (BAMC) is the largest aircraft maintenance site in Wales and employs around 650 people in the Vale of Glamorgan.

The facility, which is based at Cardiff Airport, carries out maintenance and aircraft checks on Boeing 787, 777 and 747 aircraft as well as being a Boeing Gold Partner carrying out work for other airlines.

British Airways Boeing 787 at BAMC
British Airways Boeing 787 at BAMC

The site at Llantrisant maintains and repairs avionics equipment for the airlines fleet including Airbus 318, 319, 320, 321, and Boeing 737, 747, 767, 777 aircraft types. the 142,000sq ft site boasts a highly-skilled workforce.

Inside the cockpit of a Boeing 747-400 at BAMC (Image: Aviation Media Agency)
Inside the cockpit of a Boeing 747-400 at BAMC (Image: Aviation Media Agency)

BA Interiors is based at Blackwood and is an advanced cabin interior and safety equipment maintenance facility. As well as seats and cabin interiors the site also maintains evacuation slides, life vests, survival packs.

British Airways will start a 45-day consultation process with Unions over the potential job losses.

About Nick Harding 2050 Articles
Nick is the senior reporter and editor at UK Aviation News as well as working freelance elsewhere. He has his finger firmly on the pulse on Aviation, not only in the UK but worldwide. Nick has been asked to speak in a professional capacity on LBC, Heart and other broadcast networks.