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Airbus hikes A380 break-even mark Airbus hikes A380 break-even mark
(10 minutes later)
European aircraft maker Airbus has raised the number of A380 superjumbos it needs to sell to make a profit on the project.European aircraft maker Airbus has raised the number of A380 superjumbos it needs to sell to make a profit on the project.
The A380 programme has been beset by huge cost over-runs and long delays.The A380 programme has been beset by huge cost over-runs and long delays.
The firm's parent company EADS now says it needs to sell 420 A380s to break even, up from a previous estimate of 270 aircraft.The firm's parent company EADS now says it needs to sell 420 A380s to break even, up from a previous estimate of 270 aircraft.
Airbus has sold 159 A380s to date and the first plane is now due in October 2007 - two years behind schedule. To date, Airbus has sold 159 A380s and the first plane is now due in October 2007 - two years behind schedule.
The aircraft's biggest customer, Emirates, recently said it was considering its options in the light of delays. Long-term hopes
The aircraft's biggest customer, Emirates, recently said it was considering its options in light of the delays.
A380 ORDERS SO FAR Emirates: 43 aircraftLufthansa: 15Qantas: 12Air France: 10Singapore Airlines: 10Fedex: 10International Lease Finance: 10UPS: 10Thai Airways: 6Virgin Atlantic: 6Korean Air Lines: 5Etihad Airways: 4Qatar Airways: 2China Southern Airlines: 5Kingfisher Airlines: 5Malaysia Airlines: 6 Source: Airbus See EADS share price Analysis: Airbus problems
But in a presentation to analysts and investors, EADS chief financial officer Andreas Sperl said that the planemaker still expected to sell more than 750 of its new planes over the long term.
The presentation came as speculation built about who would be named as the new managing director at Airbus.
Louis Gallois was appointed chief executive last week after the resignation of Christian Streiff.
His number two has been tipped to be Fabrice Bregier - head of EADS helicopter unit, Eurocopter.