Airbus will meet its target of delivering 12 A380 super jumbo aircraft this year, the company’s chief executive pledged recently, brushing aside reports that manufacturing and engineering difficulties had again put the project behind schedule.

The 525-seat, A-380 has been plagued by delays due to missteps, technical setbacks, communication failures and financial improprieties that have tarnished Airbus’ image. The first in a series of costly delays was announced in June 2005.

In May, the European planemaker cut its delivery forecast by one aircraft this year and by four in 2009, due to continued problems with the giant aircraft’s wiring.

“I’m ready to take a bet that we will deliver more than 10 aircraft, more than 11 aircraft,” CEO Tom Enders said. “The target is 12. I confirmed it two days ago, I confirm it today.”

Enders spoke at a ceremony in the southern French city of Toulouse marking the hand-over to Australian carrier Qantas Airways of the first of the 20 A380s it has on order.