Citing "specific customer requests for deferrals" as well as the economic and industry downturn, Airbus yesterday slashed its A380 production and delivery schedule this year and next. The manufacturer now expects to deliver 14 A380s in 2009, down from the 18 previously planned and the 21 announced in May 2008. It said yesterday that "more than 20" aircraft will be manufactured and delivered in 2010. An Airbus spokesperson told ATWOnline yesterday that no firm 2010 schedule had been announced, although Bloomberg News reported that it intended to deliver nearly 30.

Boeing expressed confidence that the 787 will be certified on time for delivery to ANA in the first quarter of next year despite a pessimistic research report released last week. The manufacturer responded to Bernstein Research's cautious assessment (ATWOnline, May 5), saying it "understood the natural tendency toward skepticism based on past program performance" while claiming that the report included several errors.

Emirates took delivery of its 75th 777, a -300ER, last week.

Goodrich was selected by Airbus to supply the external video system for the A350. Deal is worth more than $1 billion in equipment and aftermarket revenue over the life of the program, Goodrich said.

Boeing said the first 787 test aircraft has been moved to the flight line and will begin a "phase of extensive checks" with fuel testing starting later this week, and reiterated that first flight will be achieved by the end of the current quarter.