Airbus delays superjumbo deliveries SINGAPORE/SYDNEY (Reuters) - European plane maker Airbus is delaying initial deliveries of the world's biggest airliner by up to six months, which could trigger compensation payments to customers. Australian carrier Qantas Airways said on Wednesday deliveries of the A380 double-decker plane would be delayed six months to April 2007, while Singapore Airlines said it would take delivery of the first A380 in the fourth quarter of 2006 instead of mid-year. Airbus later confirmed delays of up to six months for the A380 and its stock slid 1.6 percent to 23.64 euros in early European trading. Emirates -- the biggest customer with an order for 43 of the planes -- would also be affected, Qantas said in a statement, adding that manufacturing issues at Airbus meant it would now receive the first of 12 A380s in April 2007. Qantas said it planned to seek compensation from Airbus. "This is disappointing, given that we have met all of Airbus' deadlines for Qantas specifications," said Qantas Chief Executive Geoff Dixon. "We are developing contingency plans to ensure there is no impact on our schedules or available capacity during the six-month delay." Singapore Airlines, which is scheduled to be the first airline to fly the A380, had already indicated last month that it did not expect to be able to take delivery of the A380 until the fourth quarter of next year due to prolonged testing and certification. "There will be further discussions in the next few weeks to determine the extent of the delay and to examine the contractual issues arising from the delay," said a spokesman for the airline, the world's second-biggest by market value. Qantas said it may defer the retirement of a number of aircraft, redirect capacity or bring forward the delivery of other aircraft to counter the Airbus delay. The plane, which has cost 12 billion euros ($14 billion) to develop, is the world's largest airliner and took its first flight in April. It can seat more than 800 passengers, though most airlines plan to seat 500 to 650. The plane has dominated development at Airbus as it will displace the 747 jumbo built by its U.S. archrival, Boeing Co., as the largest airliner flying.     Continued ... Quelle "Airbus delays superjumbo deliveries" : reuters.com Main page for "Airbus delays superjumbo deliveries"