Hundreds of jobs are set to be axed at GE Aviation Wales’ engine maintenance plant in Nantgarw.

The company, which manufactures engines for plane makers Boeing and Airbus, has announced that 369 jobs will be cut, with the aviation industry hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.

The American firm began consulting with it’s 1,400 employees in Nantgarw in May, having announced plans to cut 13,000 of its 52,000 workforce after it revealed that profits fell 40% in the first three months of this year.

Three years ago, the Nantgarw site won a £20 million internal contract to service and maintain the company’s GE9X engine – the world’s largest and most fuel efficient jet.

A GE Aviation spokesperson said: “The proposals to reduce our workforce are due to the unprecedented impact of Covid-19 on the commercial aviation industry. 

“We appreciate the commitment of all our employees during this difficult time, and we regret having to make these proposals. 

“We remain focused on protecting the safety of our employees, continuing to serve our customers, and preserving our capability to respond as the industry recovers.”

Caerphilly’s Member of Parliament, Wayne David, said the job losses were “extremely bad news”.

He said: “What is particularly disappointing is the UK Government has not taken heed of the crisis that afflicts the air industry.

“It needs to come forward with a package of support for the aerospace industry – for manufacturers like Airbus and GE in Nantgarw which services engines.

“There should be direct government intervention which goes beyond furloughing, which ends in October.”

Mr David said GE Aviation could reconsider the job losses if there was medium-term government support for workers.