Etihad Airways to add first A380 to fleet in 2013, not 2012

Etihad Airways CEO, James Hogan, confirmed the carrier will not take delivery of the first of ten A380s until 2013, despite a delivery date of 2012, due to "production issues" (Travel Weekly/AAP, 01-Mar-2010). Meanwhile, Etihad has denied reports it plans to launch services to Adelaide in 2011, but has stated the carrier does plan to establish a daily frequency to Brisbane. Mr Hogan also stated the carrier is bidding to win a portion of the AUD500 million (USD449 million) Australian federal government travel contract.