Have to agree with the Boeing camp on this one.
The Boeing product is of a much higher overall quality than that of Airbus in my opinion - and especially of those that perform heavy maintenance on both.
Look at how Airbus subsidises their cost structure at such a high level. Boeing may be accused of the same thing but to a much lesser extent.
Look at the problems QF has had with the introduction of their Airbuses (floor strength hassles and poor workmanship).
Range/payload is a problem on certain legs as CX has found out on MEL-HKG flights, in particular when freight is carried.
Someone mentioned something like 30-40 or so empty seats on that sector so that freight can be carried at times.
This is not the case on the B777's.
Look at the quality hassles QF have encountered with major things such as paint peeling from the roof of aircraft on delivery flights and having to be returned to Toulouse at huge expense to Airbus.
If they cant get paint to stick what else has gone wrong in the manufacturing process???
Remember when AN did the first heavy maintenance in the world on the A320's.
Mr Airbus was very keen to see how they faired and had engineers overseeing the maintenance.
The aircraft was in the shop for over two months longer than anticipated and the cost of the overhaul was almost twice that expected.
And this was an aircraft that wasnt in any way abused and had been maintained to a good standard according to both Airbus and CASA.
The quality isnt as good at the end of the day and their residual value is far less than their Boeing counterpart.
The upside???
They are cheaper to purchase/lease and more readily available to deploy.Bean-counters love them and that is why they are regularly turned-over so to speak.
Remember Singapore Airlines getting rid of all of their A340-200/300's and replacing them with B777's?
Airbus had a cow as the aircraft were purchased by Boeing and resold.
Airbus threatened to terminate the warranty on those machines.
SQ could see what a superior aircraft the B777 was and made a very gutsy move.
Now they have their extended range A340's bet your life they will ditch the A340 in favour of the new B777 with a greater range and payload capability.
Look people, the fact of life is that they are a different monster altogether, but talking to those that work with them very closely find them more expensive to maintain and their overall market value far less than a Boeing.
Add to that the fact that in terms of operating an A330 to a Boeing the satisfaction just isnt there with the bus.
Dealing with the French isnt always a joy either................