Posted By: Judy Smith

Tue Nov 7, 12:34 PM ET

MEMPHIS, United States (AFP) - US freight giant FedEx became the first airline to cancel its order for Airbus's troubled A380 superjumbo, announcing an order instead for 15 new Boeing 777 Freighters.
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FedEx Express, a unit of FedEx Corp., said it had pulled out of an order for 10 freighter versions of the European superjumbo "after Airbus announced significant delays in delivery of the A380".

Instead, FedEx Express said it was buying 15 Boeing 777 Freighter planes with options to purchase another 15.

The FedEx decision marks the clearest sign yet of customer displeasure over Airbus's failure to stay on schedule for the launch of its much-vaunted new plane.

The A380 is facing delivery delays of up to two years because of production problems.

FedEx Corp. chief executive Frederick Smith said the company had made "significant investments in our network" to meet rapidly growing demand for air cargo.

"Therefore, it was necessary and prudent for us to acquire the Boeing 777 Freighter," he said in a statement.

"The availability and delivery timing of this aircraft, coupled with its attractive payload range and economics, make this choice the best decision for FedEx, its customers, shareowners and employees."

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