Originally Posted by
Linebacker35
THe A340-500 can make that trip no problem. I imagine they will order those since it has the same type rating as the 330.
The A340 is a dinosaur. I think Airbus sold 15 of them last year. The twin engine 777 is kicking the crap out of it in orders. Airlines know 4 engine aircraft are more expensive to operate (burn more fuel) and are especially more expensive to maintain. I remember reading last year that Airbus offered to pay airlines the difference in operating expenses between the A340 and 777 (several MILLION dollars per plane), and they still had hardly any orders.
The A340 would be a bad choice. They would be better off with a 777, 787, or even waiting for the A350!!
But I truly do not have a guess as to what, if anything, they will order.
As for the range of the 767 and A330, if US Airways has the 767-200ER and the A330-200, they both have a range of approximately 6,500nm. This is approximately the distance from Philadelphia to Shanghai. They could probably make the trip, but they may need to be weight restricted. Plus they will be competeing against airliners operating 777's and 747's. It would not be smart to attempt to operate that city pair with a 767 or A330.