Originally posted by sohguanh:
[b]seek some compensation
In the business world sometimes it is not about money but more on intangible stuff like say goodwill for any future collaboration effort and of cuz cheaper pricing for spare parts or technical help etc etc....
SIA not so microscopic to only focus on dollars and cents (although at the end it is) but put longer line out for much better returns in the form of future opportunities which translate to much much more money 
[/b]
I believe the compensation they are pressing for is not punitive but rather the cost of keeping their lease on the 747-400 longer.
they said because of the delay they need to extend lease on 747-400, which will cost some money especially if this 747-400 has been "promised" to be sold to another buyer already.
Plus, they took into consideration that Airbus gave SIA the "glory" to be the first to fly A380 even though I don't think SIA was the first to sign the contract.