Further delays for Airbus A380

Airbus has confirmed that production of its new flagship aircraft, the A380, has been hit by more delays.

The mammoth, double-deck, A380 which can seat over 800 passengers started test flights on 27 April 2005. A few months later, Airbus announced a delay of up to six months. On Thursday, Airbus confirmed that new delays were expected but were not able to quantify how long these new delays may be. Airbus has said that the delays are caused by underestimating the varying demands from airlines for special cabin features, such as wireless internet access and complex entertainment systems.

Singapore Airlines is the launch customer for the A380, and plans to initially use the plane on routes such as Singapore - Sydney or Singapore - London where the A380, in SIA's configuration, will be able to hold roughly 100 more passengers per flight than the 747 it currently uses, and at greater fuel savings per passenger.

The new delay will come as a massive blow to airlines but it is unlikely to result in many, if any, cancellations, simply because there is currently nothing that can compete with the size of the A380.

Singapore Airlines was expected to take delivery of the first aircraft in November of this year but it is now unclear whether this will be possible. More details on the A380 delivery schedule is expected from EADS in around four weeks.

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