View Full Version : The EK A346 update
donpizmeov
22nd Mar 2006, 14:22
Not sure if I can get this link to work or not, but Flight Int online has a bit about the EK plan to defer the A346s.
So if anyone wants one cheap, give Airbus a call. Mention my name and they will give you a good deal.:E
Don
http://http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2006/03/21/205525/Airbus+seeks+new+buyers+for+Emirates+A340-600s+.html
Saltaire
22nd Mar 2006, 15:04
Although nothing official, I think it's been widely known that these are not showing up. I think the 345's are costing enough in fuel and maintenance, and just don't live up to expectations.:uhoh:
The main reason if you read the article is the expectation of the Enhanced 340-600, which will make the residual values of the ordered 346 HGW's much less in the 2nd hand market in the future.
The 345's with the exception of the Ozzie routes maybe, are not being used for what they were intended for, ie +15 hour flights. The high fuel price hasn't helped. Great ship mind, all the same! :ok:
EGGW
SecurID
22nd Mar 2006, 16:03
The man from Luton speaks the truth!
The A345 was intended to fly the longer and thinner routes. The -500 has both a greater fuel capacity and higher MTOW than the -600, therefore the -600 would never be a direct competitor on routes over about 14 hours. Hence the decision to wait until the enhanced variant is available.
It does seem that SQ are operating their A345s on the correct route structures with sectors up to 18 hours, EKs longest sector is about 15 hours.
I think it's been widely known that these are not showing up
I think that the above quote should have been
I think it's been widely rumoured that these are not showing up
montencee
22nd Mar 2006, 16:10
The main reason is that, enhanced or otherwise, the 777-300ER does the job for less fuel.
The reason stated in the Flight article is widely rumoured to be a face saving front for order cancellation.
But expect to see an order for around 50 A350s as EKs payoff to Airbus. A350s that have flight deck commonality with the A380, commonality that the A330s/A340s don't have.
uplock
22nd Mar 2006, 17:23
Im not impressed with the A340-500....Chances are you nearly ALWAYS have a tech problem to deal with....
No worries about the APU any more seeing they just took the whole kit out of some of the A/C
On time reliability factor as been a huge let down just ask the bean counters and the engineers.....or pax
Think don meant to post a web link that works try thisTHIS LINK (http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2006/03/21/205525/Airbus+seeks+new+buyers+for+Emirates+A340-600s+.html)