Paris - European airplane manufacturer Airbus said Wednesday it had again cut the delivery schedule of its A380 superjumbo airliner, with 14 planes now set to go to clients this year, instead of the targeted 18.

The reason is that some A380 clients are not able to pay for the plane this year because of the effects of the economic crisis on air travel.

Future production and deliveries of the world's largest commercial aircraft will depend on the demand by airlines and the availability of funding for its customers, Airbus said.

In 2010, Airbus intends to deliver more than 20 A380s to its customers.

The A380 program has been hit by difficulties almost from its inception, with several delivery delays caused by production problems.

In October 2006, after a review of the program, Airbus revised its schedule so that 25 A380 planes woere to be delivered this year, and 45 in 2010. (dpa)