13 September 2012 Last updated at 03:01 ET

Aerospace workers in Wales should not fear for their jobs with news that Airbus' parent company is in merger talks, says an industry expert.

Aerospace firm EADS, which owns Airbus, and employs 6,500 people at Broughton, Flintshire, is negotiating with UK defence contractor BAE Systems.

It also owns defence company Cassidian in Newport, which employs 1,000 people.

John Whalley, of Aerospace Wales Forum, said: "It's more about helping to preserve jobs and growth."

These two companies epitomise high skilled manufacturing in sectors that are globally very competitive.

BAE Systems employs around 620 people at the head office of GCS Munitions based at Glascoed, near Usk in Monmouthshire.

Aerospace Wales Forum, the aerospace industry association in Wales, has welcomed the news of merger talks.

In a potential tie-up, BAE would own 40% and EADS 60% of the new firm.

I think the real driver here is market access

Excerpt from:

Aerospace merger 'will keep jobs'