Airbus were denied by a heroic performance from goalkeeper Craig Richards as Llanelli left the Airfield with a 2-1 victory.
Craig Harrison selected a familiar looking side from the one that finished seventh in the Welsh Premier League last season, only Andy Moran of the new signings featuring in the starting line-up.
However, it was Andy Legg’s Llanelli who broke the deadlock after just 15 minutes, Rhys Griffiths, the leading marksman in the league for the past five seasons, the man on target from close range after a corner was not cleared.
Airbus rallied and Moran had a golden chance to mark his competitive debut for the club by getting his name on the scoresheet, but he saw his penalty saved low down by Richards.
Worse was to follow for Airbus as Llanelli were able to extend their lead minutes before the hour-mark, Griffiths heading in a right-wing cross.
Despite the setback, Airbus were the stronger of the two teams in the second 45 minutes and influential midfielder Danny Desormeaux pulled a goal back, converting Moran’s centre at the far post.
The hosts continued to pour forward in search of an equaliser but Richards, who had earlier made a fine double stop from Carl Owen, was on hand to again deny the former Porthmadog hitman and Moran with another two superb saves in the closing moments.
Meanwhile, Airbus have issued the following statement regarding the future of young striker Jake Cassidy.
Cassidy has been on trial with Mick McCarthy’s Wolves following a superb pre-season campaign for Airbus, who he only joined earlier this summer from Llandudno Junction.
“Airbus UK Broughton acknowledge the current media/club interest in teenage striker Jake Cassidy, in an effort to keep everyone informed as much as is possible the club can confirm that Airbus UK Broughton and Wolverhampton Wanderers are in talks with regard to Cassidy’s future.
“It is anticipated that those talks will continue into the early part of next week when a further announcement is likely to be made via www.airbusfc.com and from the Premiership club’s PR department.
“Airbus UK Broughton can only add at this stage their gratitude to those involved in looking after Jake Cassidy at Wolverhampton Wanderers during his week with the club.”
“No further comment from the club will be made at this point.”
Bala Town began their campaign on a losing note as hosts Port Talbot claimed a 2-0 success.
Town, who featured former Wrexham midfielder Mark Jones and ex-Chester defender Shaun Kelly for the first time in competitive action, were unable to break down a stubborn home defence.
The Steelmen took the lead in the first half with a debut goal from summer signing David Brooks, and added the second on 63 minutes as John Irving put through his own goal.
Bangor City produced another fine performance to out-gun big spending Neath, Nev Powell's side running out 2-1 winners.
Neath named Lee Trundle, Kristian O'Leary and Chad Bond in their starting XI, but it was the hosts, missing last seasons top scorer Jamie Reed, who opened the scoring through Dave Morley's penalty.
Liam Hancock handled Peter Hoy's long throw and Morley did the rest to hand Bangor the lead.
Hancock quickly made amends by scoring for Neath in an even first half, poking home after O'Leary's shot was only parried by Paul Smith.
Hanock was at the centre of the action once again as Bangor scored their second goal, giving away another penalty.
Morley's spot kick was saved by Craig Morris, but Sion Edwards collected the loose ball before crossing for Eddie Jebb to fire home the winner.
Chris Sharp helped champions The New Saints open their title defence in style, the son of Everton legend Graeme hitting a hat-trick as they beat Prestatyn 5-2.
Craig Jones and Danny Holmes scored the other Saints goals, while ex-Bangor and Rhyl striker Lee Hunt marked his Prestatyn debut with a brace.
Former Cefn Druids loanee Craig Whitfield marked his debut for Newtown with a headed winner as Andy Cale's side shocked Haverfordwest County 1-0, while Aberystwyth Town defeated Carmarthen 3-2 in the televised match.
Steff Edwards, Ryan Marriott and ex-Druids and Bala playmaker Ricky Evans bagged the Aberystwyth goals.
Lee Bevan had opened the scoring for Carmarthen, Craig Frater netting the other after Aber had struck three times in nine minutes.