Airbus chief executive Tom Enders has criticised the UK government's lack of clarity over its future European Union relationship.

Speaking in London ahead of a critical 'Brexit' meeting at the prime minister's country residence Chequers, Enders said the government "still has no clue" how to proceed "without severe harm".

He describes the situation as "discomforting", adding that the airframer has been "very clear about what the consequences of Brexit would be".

Airbus warned last month that time for Brexit preparations was running out and that it would reconsider investment in the UK if the country withdrew from the European Union without a suitable trade agreement in place.

"Let's see what comes out of Chequers today," says Enders, alluding to the chimney signal traditionally used in the Vatican to reveal agreement on selecting a new Pope. "White smoke, black smoke, or no smoke."

Source: FlightGlobal.com