Airbus, which has its UK manufacturing facilities in Filton and Deeside, has delivered its 10,000th aircraft.

The A350-900 plane has gone to Singapore Airlines and is the sixth as part of a total order for 67 for the carrier.

It features a special '10,000th Airbus' logo and will be used to launch the airline's new non-stop services between Singapore and San Francisco later this month.

Airbus chief executive Tom Enders said: "Since our earliest days innovation has been at the heart of everything we do at Airbus. This has seen us develop what is today the world's most modern and comprehensive aircraft family.

"We are especially proud to celebrate this milestone with Singapore Airlines – one of our longest standing customers and a true partner. Today, the SIA Group operates aircraft from across our complete product line and with the highest levels of technical excellence.

"There is no better endorsement for our products and we thank the entire SIA Group for its ongoing confidence, partnership and support."

Airbus delivered its first aircraft, an A300B2, to Air France on 10 May 1974. It is on track to deliver at least 650 aircraft to customers this year.