British aero-engine maker Rolls-Royce has announced plans to cut up to 2,000 jobs worldwide because of global economic 'uncertainties'.

"Rolls-Royce has been reviewing the possible impact of current economic uncertainties, delays on individual programs, such as the Airbus A380 and the Boeing 787, and the benefits of the group's continuing focus on efficiency," the company said on Thursday.

"While it is too early to be specific about the precise implications for the number and location of job reductions, the group's current assessment is that in 2009 it will be necessary to implement job reductions... of around 1,500 to 2,000 on a worldwide basis," it added.

Rolls-Royce said the job cuts were the first stage in a more general plan to match the group's capacity with the expected load in its facilities.

Up to five percent of the company's 39,000 personnel are expected to lose their jobs when the plan is implemented. Around 60 percent of the company's workforce is based in Britain.

Airplane maker Boeing Co. has also said that in 2009, it would dismiss up to 800 of some 3,000 employees who work at a Kansas facility.

The Chicago-based company says it plans to carry out the reductions because some of its programs have ended, while there has also been a delay in a US Air Force tanker replacement program.

MJ/MMN