Singapore Airlines Ltd, the world's second-largest airline by market value, said on Tuesday it would stick to plans to become the world's first carrier to fly the 555-seat Airbus A380 in 2006.
The statement comes a day after Virgin Atlantic, 49-percent owned by Singapore Airlines, said it had delayed plans to start flying the double-decker aircraft until late 2007, more than a year later than originally planned.
Virgin said it faced trouble with airports, notably Los Angeles, in making the necessary preparations to accommodate such a large plane, and with sourcing components needed to customise the all-new A380's vast cabin.
"We are on track with our A380 deliveries," said the Singapore flag carrier, which is 57-percent government-owned, in an e-mailed statement to Reuters.
Singapore Airlines, which has a fleet of 85 planes as of April, has 10 A380s on order. It is one of 11 customers which have ordered the A380. Virgin is committed to six orders.
Singapore Air seeks to end its financial year to March 2005 with 89 aircraft after the delivery of two A345-500s and five Boeing Co B777s while decommissioning three B747-400s.
The A380, the world's biggest airliner, can carry more than 800 passengers in some configurations and offers airlines an opportunity to add billiard tables and other unusual amenities to distinguish their brand from others.
Singapore Air's chief executive, Chew Choon Seng, said on Friday he was considering proposals for new planes from Boeing and Airbus. The airline has said it may place new orders this year to cover future medium-haul and regional needs.
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