Airbus Cuts Superjumbo Output

Airbus said Wednesday that it cut its planned production of A380 superjumbo jetliners this year to 14 planes from 18, blaming the global economic crisis and its impact on airlines.

"Customers approached us and we are adapting our schedule to their needs," said Airbus spokesman Stefan Schaffrath. As recently as mid-March, Airbus had said it expected to deliver 18 A380s this year. The cut is linked to previously announced delivery deferrals at Australia's Qantas Airways Ltd. and Dubai's Emirates Airline, people familiar with the plan said.

Airbus, a unit of European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co. (EADSY), said in a statement that the reduction will have "no significant impact on Ebit," or earnings before interest and taxes this year. Airbus said it "will take mitigating actions against the negative effects" of the shift on free cash flow.

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