Singapore Air confirms first A380 delivery will be delayed
Thursday May 5, 2005

Singapore Airlines confirmed reports that delivery of its first A380 will be delayed from the original target of May 2006 (ATWOnline, May 3). A spokesperson told this website yesterday, "We have been notified by Airbus of a delay and are working with them to minimize it. We are still working toward an entry into commercial service in the second half of 2006." Insiders at the airline said that contrary to reports from German media, the delay is not by mutual agreement.

Airbus is due to deliver 11 A380s next year--five to SIA, four to Emirates and two to Qantas. SIA had hoped to have several months' head start over its competitors in terms of getting its aircraft into service, but this appears less likely now.

by Geoffrey Thomas
ATWOnline