ODMEA, I am not sure of whether you are asking whether the A340-600's are capable of making these legs or whether this is in the GF plans. The -600's are capable of flying non-stop practically anywhere in the world from Bahrain (based on a great-circle routing). Hong Kong and Sydney would be relatively "easy" hops for the -600. Any location in the continents of North or South America, Europe, Africa, Asia or Oceanea is within range. The only area that is out of range is the Southeastern Pacific-- so no Bahrain-Easter Island or Bahrain-Tahiti nonstops. Probably a good, relatively easily available aircraft if GF has North American ambitions again, and there are probably some destinations that could be lucrative linking sizeable Indian communities in in the Americas with India via Bahrain.

Some large airlines have not been entirely enamored by their experience with the 340-600's-- (I heard Thai Airways dumped some of their relatively new -600's). However, after what I've seen at GF during the last year I really wonder whether economics is the main driving concern and in any case, if GF wants airplanes right now, there are few attractive options-- so they might just have to bite the bullet.

Heard a rumor that these A321's may not be here by the 18th, as previously forecast. Big question on WHEN exactly. I guess I'll just keep reading the GDN for more info.

Just to add one more thing to what Panama Jack said. While these planes can reach very far places non-stop, they will be however payload restricted. For example, while this plane can reach JFK, and ORD, cargo payload will be almost nill. So you will have a huge aircraft with tones of cargo potential, but it will be practically empty and un-utilized. MNL is as far as it may go with full payload (cargo and pax). SYD cannot make it unless it is passenger-restricted as well (if memory serves from looking at the performance graphs of this aircraft). Recall it is the A340-500 that is the long-range aircraft and not the -600.

No worries mate...GF will probably in their wisdom put them on the Dahrans and Doha sectors only.