Torquelink,
Okay, okay, you are right concerning the two engines... ;-)
I´ve had a look into my old paper: The two Trents on an A333 plus pylons weigh 16.044kg, four CFM56 engines plus pylons on the A340s weigh around 22.930kg (Revocery Manual data).
You are right about the range advantage. But: To exaggerate a bit, who wants to deliver a small parcel non-stop from LHR to SYD?
Analysis of all cargo networks, both traditional and express/integrator systems, show a certain relationship between payload capability and range. No one will dispatch a B747F between COS and DEN, and no one will use a B727F between MEM and NRT. But we have seen it the other way around.
Bottom line with respect to the AI long range busses: A333Fs would fit into this scenario, A343Fs suffer from the higher OEW - their range advantage does not help them.
If my memory serves me right, an A333F would burn 15% less fuel on a 3200nm mission (MZFW/MTOW mission) than an A343F.
Thunderball 2,
Interesting comments. Do you have lease rates at hand (current ones, all time highs/lows)?
Enjoying the discussion,
J.V.