Financially-troubled European aeroplane manufacturer Airbus has stopped work on the freight version of its new A380 superjumbo, a spokesman for its parent company said today.

French President Jacques Chirac today meets Chancellor Angela Merkel for talks expected to centre on Franco-German tension over a major restructuring plan for European aircraft manufacturer Airbus.

The four bosses of Airbus parent EADS met for closed-door talks today, days after the European defence group was hit by costly new delays to the A380 superjumbo and questions about stock sales beforehand.