Aircraft sales represent some of the biggest ticket items involved in global trade. To think QF will purchase billions of dollars worth of aircraft based on fuel burn and seat pitch is naive. "Free trade agreements" (if ever there was such a beast), currency woes, changing strategic alliances and manufacturers scrambling to pass aircraft on at any cost for political purposes means much of the decision for future fleet purchasing will be made over a liquid lunch in Canberra.
Timmee, pilot preference will have absolutely nothing to do with aircraft acquisition. The A330 has factory weight saving options that ultimately make it one of the most fuel efficient machines around - the accountants love em.
Longreach, dont fall for the "too many fleet type" nonsense. A number of types with similar fleet numbers is not as detrimental to an airline as some would have you think. Some of the most successful long haul airlines in the world operate 3 or more types.
Keg, imagine how much cheaper it would be if QF purchased "airframes" instead of aircraft - no engines, avionics, landing gear.