I would think EK have serious grounds to cancel a large number of the 380 orders. They are the largest 380 customer but they will be the 3td to get one behind SQ and QF who will both get their full quota before EK get one. I would think that being the largest customer EK has some pretty serious clout to change this. My guess is that they are waiting to hear what the internal changes will be at Airbus/EADS while negotiating some pretty serious cash back/ maintenance/alternatives deals etc with Airbus. If EK cancelled all 45 Airbus would be sunk.
The implication of a second delay to EK is massive. All of the growth projections are based on the delivery of the 380. So no bonuses for the next couple of years then...
At least it may meant the 380 gets delivered when the new terminal is ready to receive them!