Airbus delays A380 deliveries

Airbus has informed its customers its A380 delivery schedule will undergo a shift of six to seven months due to production ramp-up issues. The shift in the production ramp-up is likely to limit aircraft delivery to nine in 2007.

A recent programme review led Airbus to the conclusion that 2007 deliveries will likely be limited to nine, and that a shortfall of five to nine aircraft deliveries in 2008 and around five aircraft in 2009 could be expected, compared to initial delivery planning. The review also concluded that further actions are required to secure a ramp-up recovery in 2008 and 2009. performed, including at airports, indicate that the A380 will meet or exceed the expectations. Also first results of the cabin tests are encouraging.

There are currently 15 aircraft already assembled, including the static and fatigue test frames, while production of sections for aircraft serial number 36 has started.

Since the first flight of the first A380 in Toulouse on 27th April 2005, four more aircraft have taken to the air. The first two are heavily involved in the flight test campaign, two more are used for cabin testing and the fifth one is currently undergoing customisation and cabin furnishing in Hamburg to be ready for first aircraft delivery at the end of 2006.

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