BAE to axe 1,700 jobs

Aerospace giant BAE Systems is to axe almost 1,700 jobs in its regional jets business because of downturn following US terrorist attacks, the company said today.

Almost 1,000 jobs will be cut from BAE’s factory at Woodford in Manchester, 300 in Chadderton, also Manchester, and 219 at Prestwick.

Chief executive John Weston said the company had completed a detailed assessment of the likely impact on its business of the ‘‘severe downturn’’ in the commercial aerospace market.

‘‘Since September the trading outlook in these markets has changed substantially.’’

Profit expectations for the Airbus, which BAE helps build, have been reduced significantly next year and the outlook for regional aircraft has ‘‘deteriorated sharply’’, said Mr Weston.