Posted on 11/23/2005 12:04:17 PM PST by Righty_McRight
PARIS, Nov 23 (AFP) - The European aircraft manufacturer Airbus will deliver A380 superjumbo airliners to Air France a year late on April 1, 2008, Air France president Jean-Cyril Spinetta said on Wednesday outside a press conference on the airline's six-month results.
Spinetta had warned at a general meeting of shareholders in Air France-KLM on July 12 that the A380 would be delivered six months later than the planned date of April 1, 2007.
The airline's head of finance, Philippe Calavia, said on Wednesday: "Airbus has had problems in respecting its planning.
"We have agreed between us simply to delay the programme by a year."
Calavia said that delivery of the aircraft in the northern hemisphere autumn, which was a low season for air traffic, was of no interest to the airline.
Air France and Airbus were discussing payment of compensation for the delay, he added.
"We are in the process of negotiating compensation with Airbus. It (the delay) means a big prejudice for us in terms of costs."
He did not provide figures but referred to "lost opportunities...hangars which will stand empty". By contrast the airline had planned to increase its capacity to carry traffic and to train people.
Air France has ordered 10 A380 superjumbos and has taken options on four
The new aircraft is to go into service for the first time with Singapore Airlines at the end of 2006.
Oops. Delivering
10-1 they miss that date too.
I have problems respecting Airbus' planning as well!
"Air France and Airbus were discussing payment of compensation for the delay, he added.
""We are in the process of negotiating compensation with Airbus. It (the delay) means a big prejudice for us in terms of costs.""
He did not provide figures but referred to "lost opportunities...hangars which will stand empty". By contrast the airline had planned to increase its capacity to carry traffic and to train people."
Sounds like they ain't got the price right yet.
Delays in production? In France? I am shocked....
As one other FReeper said, "Keep your Scarebus. If it ain't Boeing, I ain't going."
Brilliant marketing ploy. This will give airports another year to finish the complete redesign the 380s will require. It will also give Airbus a chance to complete its "Titanic of the Air" ad campaign for the new jets.
Airbus's A380 might turn out to be the White Elephant that broke the consortium's back
BUMP!
and the frogs at airburst haven't even had a strike yet either...
What's-Another-Six-Months-Among-Friends ping!
spruce goose?...... btw I'm sure this has some of al qaeda's pilots pissed.
who cares?
one French company sticking it to another French company. In a few days, one French company will raise the white flag and the dispute is over.
Since they are both state owned, neither the airline nor the airplane maker really cares.
Air France should be willing to pay more for the 380. They are getting more plane than they bargained for. About 6 tons more plane, last I saw.
Considering it started as a follow up to the Concorde consortium, I wouldn't hold my breath.
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