The defence and aerospace company BAE Systems today announced dozens of jobs will be lost in its regional aircraft business in the UK.

The company said its current staffing levels were unsustainable in the wake of falling sales revenues during the recession.

And it has now announced a redundancy programme for 60 jobs in its regional aircraft business in the UK.

The job losses will take place between now and the end of the year. These will mainly affect staff at Prestwick in Scotland, where BAE Systems Regional Aircraft employs about 430 people, as well as its site in Weybridge, Surrey, where about 60 people currently work.

Positions in aviation support operations and administration are likely to be affected.

However the company stressed it was seeking to achieve the job losses through voluntary means, and had already begun negotiations with staff and trade unions.

Managing director Alan Fraser said: “Whilst we regret having to make this announcement, it is one that is necessary, and will allow us to ensure our business is the right size and shape in order to support current activity levels in what is an extremely difficult economic environment for the aviation industry.”

He added: “We recognise that this is a difficult period for all employees and their families and we will continue to do everything practical to avoid compulsory job losses and support our staff through this process.”

BAE Systems employs about 105,000 people across the world, with sales exceeding £18.5bn in 2008.