11-Nov-2011 11:24 AM
EADS: Up to six month delay for A350 programme
EADS announced a delay for the A350 XWB programme, pushing delivery of the first aircraft from late 2013 into 1H2014. According to wire reports, initial assembly has been delayed by three months, to 1Q2012. EADS stated the delay would cost it EUR200 million, mostly attributed to payments to customers for the delay. The manufacturer is giving the A350 programme "our highest management attention" according to CEO, Louis Gallois. No reasons were given for the delivery delay. Qatar Airways is the launch customer for the A350, with 80 on order.