Union advise Malaysian to cancel A380

Published: 04/10/06

Struggling Kuala Lumpur based carrier Malaysia Airlines has been urged to cancel its order for the new Airbus A380 Super jumbo after further production delays have pushed delivery back until at least 2009. Malaysia Airlines had ordered 6 of the giant new planes for delivery in 2007, but since then it has embarked on a major restructuring plan.

Over the past 12 months Malaysia Airlines have laid off many cabin staff and restructured their network to save costs and avoid bankruptcy. The airline originally ordered the planes in 2004 before its current problems came to the surface, and the unions are suggesting that the plane is now against the requirements of the airline.

A spokesman for the airline suggested that the delays could be a blessing in disguise for the airline, and as many of the carriers involved in the project are now claiming substantial rebates under penalty clauses in their contracts, the plane could work out much cheaper than expected.

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