Aviation firm lays off 95 staff

An aviation factory is to close with the loss of about 95 jobs, it has been confirmed.

The move follows a three-month consultation at G E Aviation's plant at Arle Court, near Cheltenham.

A spokesman said the site would close in 2010, with 90 jobs being moved to the firm's other Gloucestershire base at Bishop's Cleeve.

The company produces large and small jet engines for commercial and military aircraft.

In an official statement, the company said: "Increased competition is driving the need to reduce total overall costs and this, together with longer-term capacity considerations, resulted in our proposal to make these changes.

"We regret having to take this course of action and, in particular, the fact that up to 95 roles will become redundant."