UP to 100 people will lose their jobs when the US Air Force withdraws from RAF Fairford next year.

The 112 Americans on the base will move on by September 2010, but organisers of the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) have said the show will go on.

There are 220 UK civilian posts at the base, about 100 of which will lose their jobs, according to the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

A spokesman said: “The MoD will provide full support to personnel affected in identifying and securing where possible alternative employment opportunities within the civil service.”

Kevin Copp, president of the Swindon Chamber of Commerce, said the move was likely to have an effect on the wider economy.

He said: “There are bound to be a number of Swindon-based workers who will lose their jobs because of this, and while some will certainly be able to get help with finding alternatives there will be others who may struggle. Hopefully because of the skills they have developed they will be able to find employment quickly.”

RAF Fairford will remain open and run on a care and maintenance basis.

“It will continue to support the Tattoo and RAF exercises.”

Air Tattoo spokesman Richard Arquati said there were no plans to move the location and the team would be working with Northamptonshire-based RAF Croughton to plan the 2010 show.

He said: “We work closely with US Air Force in Europe (USAFE) personnel throughout the year and enjoy very strong relations at every level.

“The Air Tattoo remains grateful for the support it has received, and will continue to receive from the USAFE in staging Europe’s largest airshow.

“We fully understand USAFE’s reasons for the restructure at RAF Fairford and look forward to working more closely with the team at RAF Croughton as we plan for next year’s airshow.”

Next year’s event is due to take place on July 17 and 18 and will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

For more information about the event, please go to www.airtattoo.com.