The team behind ambitious plans to operate Airbus A380s as flying cruiseliners has delayed the program’s launch while it considers the effect of political upheaval in the Middle East on demand for the service. It is also still trying to select an operator for the service and has indicated that it might also order the new A350-1000 XWB long-range airliner. According to Van Lattmann Corporate Communications, which is acting as the marketing front for the so-called “Dicke Berta” project, the venture now has some $2.8 million in launch capital. Undisclosed backers come from Europe, the U.S., the Middle East and Hong Kong. The partners intend to develop their own interior designs for the Airbuses and to transport passengers to and from departure points on the planned cruises using Dassault Falcons.