After Delay, Airbus Delivers First 380

THE NEW YORK TIMES—Airbus finally delivered its first A380 superjumbo jet today as the European planemaker tries to rebound from a string of legal and technical troubles.

Singapore Airlines took delivery of the double-decker jet, the world’s largest passenger plane, almost two years late.

“Until now, the A380 has been Airbus’ baby. Today we are here to celebrate this beautiful mature aircraft coming of age,” the president of Airbus, Thomas O. Enders, said at a handover ceremony that included a sound and light show.

Acknowledging the planemaker’s difficulties, Mr. Enders told Airbus employees: “I realize how unsettling these last times, particularly the last 18 months, have been.”

He thanked customers for sticking with the aircraft and said that increasing production to meet demand for the A380 “remains our greatest challenge for the next few years.”

The chief executive of Singapore Airlines, Chew Choon Seng, said the plane was “well worth the wait.” Read article.