- A340 - less comfortable / less preferred by business passengers - will not take the new full flat sleeper 1st & business class seats ( except for the first row in business class )
From a passenger p.o.v, who has flown extensively in all classes on 777/747/330/340, erm,
bollocks!
- Passengers much prefer the 2-2-2 biz class arrangement found in the A330/340 than the 2-3-2 in the 747/777.
- Flat beds? Go and have a look at a Qatari A330 or a low-density config Cathay A330. F class have full sleeper suites, business flat beds.
Personally, 1A on an A340 is the quietest, smoothest, most comfortable place in the sky.
As for the 747 being easier on engines: dubious claim. Most A340 takeoffs are done on the FLX setting (which can appear sluggish), which is specifically designed to reduce engine wear.
And, I believe the A340 (even the 300) can carry more containerised (LD3) cargo than the 747.
<But why are we arguing about this anyway. The 747 are no-way direct competitors! The 747 doesn't have a competitor in the current Airbus line up.......the 343 competes with the 772ER!).