Airbus changes A380 delivery schedules

Airbus has announced changes to its production schedules to meet the changing demand by airlines - including Emirates.

According to the new plan, Airbus expects to deliver 14 double-decker aircraft in 2009 and more than 20 aircraft in 2010.

Onward production rates and deliveries are dependent on airline demand and availability of customer financing. Airbus says it will take mitigating actions against the negative effects of the new A380-plan on free cash-flow of the company. There will be no significant impact on EBIT.

As announced in February Airbus confirms its intention to reduce the A320 family production rate from 36 to 34 aircraft per month from October 2009. Production of the A330/340 family runs currently at a rate of 8.5 aircraft per month. The A350XWB development process continues with full speed.

The European manufacturer also confirmed its plan to deliver in 2009 about the same number of aircraft as in 2008, which was a record year for the company (483 aircraft).