(Reuters) Airbus is in negotiations with Emirates on the A380, over the timing of superjumbos built and scheduled for delivery this year, industry sources said.

Emirates and Airbus agreed two years ago to delay the delivery of 12 A380s; six were to be delivered in 2018 instead of 2017, and a further six delayed from 2018 to 2019. Emirates declined to say whether any of those jets have been delivered.

“This is a matter between Emirates and Airbus,” an Emirates spokeswoman said. Airbus also declined comment.

Some industry sources questioned Emirates’ ability to absorb new A380s at this stage.

One source said Emirates did not need them for now and had parked a number as part of efforts to manage capacity.

The airline is also managing a pilot shortage which has forced it to cancel some flights this year.

The latest uncertainty comes on top of a standoff between Emirates and engine makers over a contract needed to keep alive the airline’s order this year for up to 36 more A380s, whose production is threatened with closure if the deal crumbles.

It has invited General Electric-Pratt & Whitney venture Engine Alliance and Britain’s Rolls-Royce to bid.

Airbus has meanwhile moved to shore up demand for the A330neo, another slow-selling model derived from the A330ceo.

Kuwait Airways ordered 8 of the jets this month but sources said the deal involved a switch of jets meant for Hawaiian Airlines, which had canceled them and defected to Boeing.

As part of the deal, Airbus is expected to allow Kuwait to cancel some orders for newer and pricier A350s, they said.

Reuters
Photo Rob Vogelaar