MOSCOW: Russian flag carrier Aeroflot said Wednesday it would delay the purchase of five Airbus A320 and 321 aircraft in response to the global economic downturn.

The international civil aviation industry has been hit by a sharp decline in demand in the midst of a worldwide recession.

"Given the current situation on the international air transport market, the board agreed to change the delivery schedule for new Airbus aircraft," Aeroflot said in a statement.

"Delivery of two A320-200s will be delayed from the first quarter of 2010 to the first quarter of 2011 and the first quarter of 2012. Delivery of three A321-200s will be delayed from the third quarter of 2010 to the first and third quarters of 2012," it added.