Airbus says 3,700 jobs across Europe will be affected by planned production cuts to its A380 and A400M aircraft.
The plane-maker confirmed roles were at risk in France, Germany, the UK and Spain following talks with staff and unions and a series of leaks on its intentions.
A spokeswoman for the UK business, which largely focuses on wing production for both aircraft at its Broughton and Filton factories, said it was hoped that compulsory redundancies would be completely avoided.
The sites collectively employ 10,000 workers but it is understood up to only 450 roles would be affected by the cutbacks, which are due to be implemented from 2020.
Airbus said they would either be redeployed or go through “natural attrition”.
Both the A380 superjumbo and A400M have been enduring tough times for years as the dominance of Boeing and Airbus is challenged by Asian entrants and customers demand greater efficiencies.
In the case of the A400M turboprop military transport plane, delays recently resulted in the company taking a €1.3bn (£1.16bn) charge.
The A380 has struggled to secure the orders that Airbus anticipated, despite some recent success through a major order by Emirates.
The company said that its previously announced intentions to cut A380 output had been adjusted to reflect that.
