Airbus and SIA ink maintenance deal

Singapore - Airbus will provide a comprehensive maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) service for SIA's A330 aircraft. The company also refutes claims that more delays are expected for the A380.

The Total Support Package (TSP) will be performed by Airbus Customer Service and will provide fleet management in addition to line and base maintenance as well as full component support. Airbus will deploy members from its MRO Network and equipment manufacturers to service SIA's future fleet of 19 A330 aircrafts.

"This is the most comprehensive selection yet of Airbus' expanding portfolio of services solutions which, in cooperation with our MRO Network partners and equipment suppliers, will help airlines meet their business objectives by increasing fleet availability and reducing operating costs," said Charles Champion, Airbus executive VP, customer services.

Airbus also said it was one track to deliver 12 A380 superjumbo airliners this year, 21 in 2009 and between 30 and 40 in 2010, French media reported.

In a press conference, CEO Thomas Enders told the French press that Airbus was on schedule for delivery, as he tried to quash speculation that the company was headed for more delays after announcing a scaled-down production schedule in May.

"I can confirm that we continue to have as our goal the delivery of 12 A380s in 2008," he said.

Airbus in May announced the fourth delay since 2006, saying it would deliver 12 A380s this year compared to the 13 that were initially planned.

It also reduced the number of planes for 2009, with 21 airliners to be produced instead of 25, and between 30-40 for 2010, down from the previously announced 45.