Airbus has suffered a potentially major setback to its timetable for developing the A380, after a German court overturned government approvals for Airbus to build a new A380 manufacturing facility at its Firkenwerder, Hamburg, plant. The facility, which will produce the forward and rear fuselages of the superjumbo, is being constructed on a 140Ha (350 acres) site reclaimed from the adjacent Elbe wetlands, and has been the subject of local environmental opposition (Flight International, 30 April-5 May). Last week's court decision favours two local residents who claimed aircraft noise would damage their property rights. Airbus can continue with construction while it appeals. A decision is expected by year-end.
Source: Flight International
