Airbus meets A380 target in 2008

The Airbus A380 was hit by delays

European planemaker Airbus says it has met its target for this year of delivering 12 A380 superjumbos.

Chief executive Tom Enders said "we have met our 2008 delivery schedule" thanks to "a tremendous team effort".

Delays to its A380 superjumbo drove the planemaker into a loss last year, but there had been delays and technical problems dating back to 2005.

The final A380 of 2008 was handed over to Dubai's Emirates airline, which has a total of four superjumbos.

Singapore Airlines took an additional five A380s this year, and Australia's Qantas took three.