Airbus Finally Delivers First A380

Nineteen months behind schedule and $6.8 billion over budget, Airbus is finally delivering its first A380 jumbo jet, the world's largest passenger aircraft, to Singapore Airlines. Though the A380 is supposed to revolutionize luxury long-haul air travel, with provisions such as private first class suites, offering a financial shot in the arm to Airbus parent EADS, delays in its completion have sent many long-time Airbus customers to rival Boeing for their jumbo jet orders, while spiraling costs have led to several straight quarters of losses at Airbus. Last week, Boeing was forced to announce a six-month delay in the production of its 787 Dreamliner (full story).

Sources: Financial Times, Wall Street Journal, Reuters, Bloomberg
Commentary: Boeing 787 Delay Has Ripple Effect On Suppliers • Boeing Delays First Dreamliner Delivery by Six Months • Boeing Tops Airbus in Q3 Orders
Stocks/ETFs to watch: BA, EADS (Paris: 005730). ETFs: ITA, PPA

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