There is also the 'safety net' of having more engines to rely on should things go wrong, and less problems due to assymmetrical thrust. This has to be balanced by increased maintenance costs with having more engines. Indeed, 2 engine ETOPS aircraft have greater engine reliability records than 4 engine aircraft.
Sure - but AFAICT on most routes the A340 is flying there is usually some other airline using 767s to fly the same route. I always thought that the 767 was slightly older in conception - so surely any earlier ETOPS restrictions would have come into play there also.
Still, many airlines, like Virgin, Cathay, and Lufthansa are happily flying the A340, and the -500 and -600 series are a definite improvement over the hairdryer powered -200s and -300s.
and they are very good looking planes besides
But i just wondered - it seemed like Airbus was bucking the trend a little in putting them out.