British Airways is in talks with Airbus regarding delivery of its initial A380s, with the first arrival probably being put back until around the third quarter of 2013.

Airbus has already indicated that its deliveries of the type will dip next year as a result of its efforts to correct a cracking problem with wing-rib brackets.

BA has 12 A380s on order.

Parent company International Airlines Group's chief, Willie Walsh, says it is "in discussions" with Airbus regarding a delivery date.

Walsh says the deliveries will probably be pushed back, adding that the aircraft are still "likely" to arrive in 2013 but "towards the third quarter".

Airbus is developing a modification for the A380's wing, to resolve the problem, but the first aircraft to have this integrated into the production cycle will not be delivered until 2014.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news