Airbus confirms A380 delays

Airbus confirms A380 delays    Toulouse, France-based aircraft manufacturer Airbus has told customers that the delivery schedule for its A380 superjumbo has been put back six to seven months “due to production ramp-up issues.”
   Airbus said the delays have been caused by industrial issues mainly due to bottlenecks that have cropped up during the manufacture and installation of electrical systems.
   “Modifications of electrical systems and reworks have been necessary at section level, progressively disturbing the final assembly flow,” Airbus said in a statement.
   As a result, deliveries of the A380 are likely to be limited to nine in 2007, with a shortfall of five to nine aircraft deliveries in 2008 and around five aircraft in 2009 expected, compared to initial delivery planning. The company has so far built five of the massive aircraft, with the first delivery due at the end of this year.
   “Airbus is fully aware of the burden this industrial issue represents for the airlines who are anxious to begin operating the A380. Airbus is working with its customers to facilitate their operations, while ensuring a successful entry into service,” Airbus said.
   Australian airline Qantas, which has 12 of the planes on order, said it is undertaking an internal review to examine the consequences of the delays.
   “Our discussions with Airbus will center around the new delivery timetable, competitive issues, compensation and possible short-term replacement aircraft,” said Geoff Dixon, Qantas’ chief executive officer.
   “We would hope to alleviate some of the difficulties by deferring the retirement of aircraft, redirecting capacity and securing replacement capacity,” Dixon added