Work has started to build the wings of the new A380 superjumbo at Airbus UK in Filton on the outskirts of Bristol.

The aeroplane is due to enter service in five years' time and airlines across the world have so far ordered 97.

The A380 can carry 550 passengers on two decks, and can be fitted with a gym, shop, bar and restaurant.

The new plane will give long-term employment to thousands of aerospace workers across the west region.

There will be bars and restaurants on board

A ceremony was held on Friday to mark the start of British work as the first piece of metal was cut for a wing component.

Manufacture has already begun in France and Germany on other parts of the aeroplane.

Sir Richard Branson's airline Virgin Atlantic is one of nine passenger and freighter carriers that have ordered the plane which is due to make its first test flight in 2004.

The wing production in Filton is housed in a new �16.5m manufacturing facility and work is also being carried out at Broughton in North Wales.

"Our flagship A380 is a very important addition to the Airbus product line and it is now a reality," said Airbus UK managing director Tom Williams.

"More than 6,000 people across the whole of Airbus are working on the A380 today and its first flight is only a little over two years away.

"Many thousands more are working on the aircraft through supplier companies.

"Work on the A380 wing is creating jobs for around 22,000 people in Britain alone."