Qantas Airways said it would defer delivery of four Airbus A380s and 12 Boeing 737-800s by about a year today as it announced a series of steps to counter its first projected second-half loss in six years. The Australian flag carrier also said it would effect a 5-percent reduction in passenger capacity, cutting frequencies on both international and domestic routes and grounding “the equivalent of 10 aircraft.” It further said it would explore options with Boeing regarding its order for 787-800s, including reducing “in the near term” the number of aircraft delivered. 

Qantas also said it would cut freight capacity both on domestic and international routes, reduce capital expenditure by at least $800 million in 2009/2010 and slash 500 management positions.