To Elaborate further on my post:
QR need an Ultra-Longhaul aircraft to commence non-stop services to New York in 2004. The Contenders are the A340-500 and B777-200LR. The A340-500 would fit better because of CCQ and because of the fact the Amir will also get an A340-500, same engines, same parts, same crew.
QR also need aircraft larger than the A332 to handle the capacity shortage in Asia and fly to LHR in case the slots are not awarded. The A330-300, A340-500, A340-300, B777-200ER could fit the role. The A330-300 and A340-500 are the only aircraft that make sense. The A343 has poir performance especially out of a hot airport like DOH and the A345 is too heavy for the Asian Runs which leaves the A330-300. The A330-300 would be perfect since it has the same type rating as the A330-200, shares parts and has the same engines. The A330-300 is also very efficient on flights under 4100nm since it is a "light" aircraft unlike the A343, A345 and B777-200ER/LR which are better suited for longer range flights.