Aircraft

Emirates is still discussing timing of aircraft deliveries after admitting that it wants to slow the pace of arrivals from late next year.

The Dubai-based carrier will receive seven Airbus A380s during the current financial year - its first 2008 delivery was on 24 April - plus 10 Boeing 777s.

But Emirates has confirmed statements by president Tim Clark that the carrier is looking at "slowing things" from late 2010 or early 2011.

"Close collaboration with manufacturers continues over exact timings, but the important point is that despite what's going on in the world, there have been no cancellations," says a spokesman for Emirates.

He would not confirm reported comments from Emirates' French and Benelux manager that it would take six A380s in 2010, five in 2011, 12 in 2012 and 11 in 2013.

Emirates has disclosed that it plans to open an A380 service to Paris Charles de Gaulle from 1 February next year. It currently operates twice-daily to the French capital using 777s, and the A380 will replace the 777 on the morning service.

Clark says the decision to deploy the A380 to Paris is the result of "encouraging sales" to and from the city, and adds: "Our plans to introduce this exceptional aircraft have been accelerated by almost a year which, in the current economic climate, is a major achievement."