Workers at Broughton make the wings for the aircraft

There are fears that if financial aid is refused, work to launch a new version of the Airbus will go elsewhere and threaten thousands of jobs.

More than 6,000 workers are employed at the Broughton plant which builds wings for Airbus passenger jets.

The firm wants to borrow �380m to build a fleet of smaller aircraft.

The Broughton plant is already involved in building wings for Airbus passenger jets, including the A380 superjumbo which made its maiden flight in May.

Now the firm wants a loan to kick start production of a fleet of smaller aircraft - the A350 - with new "lightweight" wings made of carbon fibre instead of metal.

It's absolutely vital that we get this work Brian Cameron, union official

The project would help secure the long-term future of the Broughton factory and create more jobs.

Brian Cameron, chairman of the joint shop stewards' committee at Broughton, said the new carbon fibre technology would put the factory in the forefront of aircraft production.

"It's absolutely vital that we get this work," he said. "We're already the world's number one wing builders and we want to keep it that way.

"I've worked here for 30 years and I'd like to think that there'll be a secure future here for future generations.

The new super jumbo made its maiden flight earlier this year

"If we don't get this money, there's a real danger the work will go to factories in other parts of Europe and that would be a disaster for us."

Mr Cameron will be part of a deputation led by Alyn and Deeside MP Mark Tami, which will meet UK Trade and Industry Secretary Alan Johnson in London to press the case for a loan.

Last month, Mr Tami and Delyn MP David Hanson had talks with the Prime Minister, who visited the Broughton plant during the general election campaign.

Tuesday's meeting at the Department of Trade and Industry will be followed by a meeting with Wales Office minister Nick Ainger.