Jobs are under threat at Gatwick Airport as part of plans for a cost cutting drive by British Airways.
Under the proposals, the airline is to make 120 check-in and customer service staff redundant. A further 400 baggage handler, drivers and loaders have also been told they could lose their jobs unless they are transferred to a sub contractor.
BA has begun a 90-day consultation with unions about the proposals.
The airline said in a statement: “[The plans] are part of a wide-ranging plan to build a stronger and more cost-competitive business and safeguard jobs for the future.
“We hope to agree a proposal with the trade unions to offer anyone who works on the ramp a role with a new external supplier, under TUPE transfer legislation.
“We will do all we can to minimise the impact on people in the customer service teams, but it is likely there may be some staff reductions in this area and among the management team and support structure.”