Forgive me if this may have been discussed before, but to my knowledge, there are no U.S. airlines that operate the A340. Any thoughts as to why/why not for long haul (transatlantic, etc.) or other use?

1) The 777 is more diverse and efficient. It generally offers a greater range with a higher MTOW, and customers have a greater "choice" of options (in terms of power plant/range). In this class (250-300 seats), the 2 engine 777 is more efficient than the 4 engine A340. Remember, Airbus went on a smear campaign at the launch of these two aircraft in the early 90s, claiming that four engines were better than two. It was a bit of a PR nightmare (IIRC).

2) The 767 and A330 are the most popular aircraft flying Trans-Atlantic flights. With the exception of West Coast-Europe flights (UA and AA only operate these). Most TATLs can be adequetly served with the 767/A330 range.

3) With the exception of US, the American majors (CO, DL, UA, AA) are loyal Boeing customers, and naturally went for the 777. UA was the launch customer, and was one of the big developers/contributers to the 777 project. NW, only recently retired the DC-10, replacing it with the A330. They don't have anything in between the 330 and 744.

4) I dont' see any A340 orders in the future (in the US). The 777 really killed any potential for the program to take-off in America, and continues to sell.

[Edited 2007-10-10 22:46:05]

Quoting UA772IAD (Reply 1): I dont' see any A340 orders in the future (in the US).

US Airways has said they will use the A340 for their new China route.

http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/...cles/newstex/AFX-0013-19813783.htm

mariner

[Edited 2007-10-10 22:43:52]

Quoting Mariner (Reply 2): US Airways has said they will use the A340 for their new China route.

Ooops, I forgot about that one.  

Cheers

US will get 2 or more A340's by 2009. Etops1 can confirm this as well as other employees and other Frequent flyers.

Hunter

Quoting MCOflyer (Reply 4): US will get 2 or more A340's by 2009. Etops1 can confirm this as well as other employees and other Frequent flyers.

Their federal filings can confirm it as well. A minimum of 2 leased with some number of new builds are all part of their China application.

NS

Continental had A340 orders back in the 1990's as well. Obviously, like their 767-300 order, these birds NTU.