A340 vs 777

[silverelise]

From the BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4619854.stm):
Airbus admitted that it had lost ground to Boeing in the market for larger, wide-bodied planes, where the US manufacturer sold 455 planes to its 193.
Bosses indicated that the company might review its A340 model, which only sold 15 models as of 30 November, compared with Boeing's rival, the 777, which took 154 orders.
Why is the A340 losing out by so much over the 777?

[Tight Slot]

I think Boeing are offering free insurance with every 777 sale...

[typhoonpilot]

From the BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4619854.stm):
Why is the A340 losing out by so much over the 777?

Simple economics really. The Airbus 340-500/600 are not economical aircraft with oil above $35/barrel. The 777-200/300 can do the same mission for significantly lower direct operating costs. When oil was at a much lower prices the acquisition cost of the Airbus was what won them orders. Now the lower acquisition cost isn't enough to offset the higher operating costs.

TP

[seacue]

Probably not just the price of oil.
Maintaining four engines vs two matters as well.