EK Airbus 330/340
I have been flying EK a lot lately primarily from the Sub Continent and onwards. Over the past few months and specifically the last 10 days there have been in ordinate delays including aircraft changes primarily due to technical issues on the aircraft.
In the last week itself on a 330 there was a delay due to cargo door not closing properly and a few days later on a 340 an aircraft change (post boarding) again for cargo door not closing. Some office staff staff also travelling during the week complained of similar delays due to tech issues. Delays range from 2 hours to 5 hours.
I have seen them primarily using these older aircraft which are in a run down condition (interiors) and also do not have either the same level of comfort or the choice of ICE as on the 777 fleet. Also the noisy undercarriage retraction and extension continues to be a very noisy with a noise decibel not heard or felt on the 777.
Is there a chance they are going to replace these aircraft anytime soon? With frequent trips to DXB it is starting to be a pain arriving late and sitting in a cramped uncomfortable seat (Y class seats on the 330 and 340 ante those disgusting thin seats that give one a backache). IS it only EK 330 and 340 fleet that is a bit "run down" or is this a common problem with other airlines?