PARIS, July 10, 2008 (AFP) - European aircraft manufacturer Airbus said on Thursday it had replaced the head of its A380 superjumbo programme, which has been plagued by serious production and delivery delays.

The company said Frenchman Alain Flourens would replace Mario Heinen of Luxembourg, who will now be responsible for fuselage activities and cabin design.

Flourens, 51, has been in charge of Airbus' mid-range A320 family since September 2006.

Airbus in June 2006 announced major delays in the A380 programme, the world's largest civilian airliner, which prompted sweeping overhaul of operations and the planned elimination of 10,000 jobs.

Heinen, 52, was named to head the A380 development in September 2006, tasked with overcoming the programme's difficulties, notably with the aircraft's electric cabling.