Citing "specific customer requests for deferrals" as well as the economic and industry downturn, Airbus yesterday slashed its A380 production and delivery schedule this year and next. The manufacturer now expects to deliver 14 A380s in 2009, down from the 18 previously planned and the 21 announced in May 2008. It said yesterday that "more than 20" aircraft will be manufactured and delivered in 2010. An Airbus spokesperson told ATWOnline yesterday that no firm 2010 schedule had been announced, although Bloomberg News reported that it intended to deliver nearly 30.

Boeing expressed confidence that the 787 will be certified on time for delivery to ANA in the first quarter of next year despite a pessimistic research report released last week. The manufacturer responded to Bernstein Research's cautious assessment (ATWOnline, May 5), saying it "understood the natural tendency toward skepticism based on past program performance" while claiming that the report included several errors.

Emirates took delivery of its 75th 777, a -300ER, last week.

Goodrich was selected by Airbus to supply the external video system for the A350. Deal is worth more than $1 billion in equipment and aftermarket revenue over the life of the program, Goodrich said.

Boeing said the first 787 test aircraft has been moved to the flight line and will begin a "phase of extensive checks" with fuel testing starting later this week, and reiterated that first flight will be achieved by the end of the current quarter.

Hainan Airlines cut its ERJ-145 order in half, from a firm 50 aircraft to 25, Embraer announced. The manufacturer's Harbin Embraer Aircraft Industry Co. had delivered 12 aircraft to HNA as of April 30 and deliveries now are scheduled to be completed by the first half of 2011 rather than the end of 2010. Hainan placed the original order in the summer of 2006 (ATWOnline, August 31, 2006).

Boeing's 787 customers face delivery delays of up to an additional six months, according to a report issued Friday by New York-based Bernstein Research that also suggest a 10%-15% range shortfall for early delivery aircraft.

Finnair's second A330-200 entered service Friday on a Helsinki-Delhi flight. Aircraft also will operate to New York JFK. Three more A330s are scheduled to arrive this year, including one this month.