The_Cutest/longreach no type had ever been ruled out that had the pax/range requirement. QF already has an A340 simulator, and A340 containers, and could in 7 days of conversion have A340 flight crews. Cabin crew aleady trained on doors etc.
TIMMEEEE you are confusing the early A340s SQ had and the current ones. The 777 does not have local Singapore approval for "polar" operations (i.e Singapore-New York direct), the overall direction you stated is correct for passenger operations subject to regulatory constraints. They plan to keep the 744 as a freighter.
Airbus has set up a hub up in Singapore for SQ and QF for maintenance and training, the large A380 hangers are in place.