Future of the A340
 

I am uncertain about the future of the A340 since the 777, 787 and new 747 models are becoming increasingly popular, especially when you compare the total orders for these with Airbus orders and deliveries. I understand that Singapore Airlines are choosing more 777s as well as Air Canada who are replacing their 340s with 777s. As for Cathay Pacific they have about 15 old 300s and only 3 new 600s. I highly doubt that they will order more...and plus they don't even have an order for 350s like Emirates do so they might even phase out their existing buses in the future. Speaking of Emirates, remember they cancelled their order for 10 340-600s. And let's not forget U.S. Airways, I am not sure if they officially ordered any, but I remember reading on APC that they had an intention. So what will be the fate of this beautiful aircraft? Would they discontinue the product or offer more variants/modifications that will compete with long range Boeing products? Or why are they still producing the aircraft if clearly the sales are pretty low?

I was in Toronto where one was going nonstop to South Africa. I don't think a 777 can do that.

The 3ER and 2LR can, I believe:

http://boeing.com/commercial/777fami...c_newyork.html
(I did a little extrapolating)

Ya, 777 is still the longest range aircraft. A340 is still in its niche, but burning 4 engines worth of fuel won't last much longer IMO.