[Ready4Freddy]

There may be some truth to that, but I suspect (not knowing how these contracts are worded) that all the airlines who have ordered A380's are in the process of negotiating their 'slide down the delivery timeline', and how much it'll cost Airbus for the delays. Virgin's just announcing here that they finished the negotiations?

Wouldn't Virgin's 'agreement' to stick around until 2013 be binding on them at this point? I would think that they have a right to get out now if they wished, due to the delay(s), and they have chosen not to do so.

Translation: We're going to sit back and see if this lemon is really all that Airbus claims it is. If the program is still going in 2013 maybe we'll buy some.

[Paleo Conservative]

Wouldn't Virgin's 'agreement' to stick around until 2013 be binding on them at this point? I would think that they have a right to get out now if they wished, due to the delay(s), and they have chosen not to do so.

Singapore Airlines owns 49% of Virgin. What if they buy all of the slots Virgin has for firm orders for the A380. Virgin could convert their options to other planes like the new A350XWB without having to take delivery of any A380's.

[Gamecock]

Wouldn't Virgin's 'agreement' to stick around until 2013 be binding on them at this point?

My point is the A380 might tank by then.