Emirates is entering a crucial negotiating period with Airbus over A380 delays, according to the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation. The carrier expects this will trigger a "massive" write-off for the manufacturer. Emirates was originally scheduled to take delivery of the first of 43 A380s in Apr-06, but is now waiting until Aug-08.

The carrier's forecast growth rate for the 12 months ending 31-Mar-08 has been trimmed to 14%, down from 30% had the A380s been delivered on schedule.

"Despite this, Dubai International Airport continues to report very strong rates of growth, handling 28.8 million passengers in 2006, up 16.6% year-on-year. Dubai could overtake Singapore by 2009, assuming recent growth rates continue," state the Centre's Executive Chairman, Peter Harbison.

Dubai vs Singapore Annual Passenger Traffic: 1991-2009F

Source: Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation

"An order by Emirates for up to 100 mid-size widebody jets is in the wings, adding spice to the compensation negotiations with Airbus. Whoever wins the Emirates order, Dubai's fortunes will be boosted, and further pressure will be applied to its rival hubs," concluded Mr Harbison.