Reuters Summit-Air France may defer Airbus A380 deliveries

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Mon Mar 2, 2009 8:25pm GMT

(For other news from the Reuters Travel and Leisure Summit, click here)

NEW YORK, March 2 (Reuters) - Air France-KLM (AIRF.PA) is considering delaying deliveries of the last six A380 jetliners it ordered from Airbus, on top of recent deferrals of Boeing (BA.N) planes, but so far is not planning to cancel any of its recent plane purchases, according to its chief executive.

Europe's largest airline, along with its rivals, is looking to cut back on capital spending and preserve cash as the global economic downturn crushes demand for flights and access to financing evaporates.

"We moved 777 cargo and we moved 777 passenger," said Pierre-Henri Gourgeon at the Reuters Travel and Leisure Summit in New York, referring to Boeing orders. "We (may) move also late A380s, after the first six... that has an effect on downpayment."

France's flag carrier has 12 of EADS' (EAD.PA) unit Airbus's massive A380 jets on order. It is planning on taking deliveries as scheduled over the next two years, but may shift plans for later deliveries.

"It's mainly from the six or seventh aircraft that we may move or adjust our schedule, which will create some saving on the downpayment this year and the year after," said Gourgeon, who took over as CEO in January.

(For summit blog: blogs.reuters.com/summits/)

(Reporting by Bill Rigby; Editing by Phil Berlowitz)

((bill.rigby@thomsonreuters.com; +1 646 281 6122)) Keywords: TRAVEL LEISURE SUMMIT/AIRFRANCE KLM FLEET

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