777 Versus the A330/A340

BOEING 777-200 POWERED BY ROLLS ROYCE TRENT-800

AIRBUS INDUSTRIE A330-300 POWERED BY ROLLS ROYCE TRENT-700

AIRBUS INDUSTRIE A340-200 POWERED BY CFM INTERNATIONAL CFM-56

In direct comparison to the A330-A340 series, the 777 compares favorably in terms of interior size and systems, cargo carrying capability, severe climate operation, range, and level of automation.

Although both the 777 and the A330-A340 series are classified as wide body transports with twin aisles, the 777 offers a larger diameter fuselage barrel which translates into greater passenger carrying capability in a shorter aircraft, the ability to handle LD-3 type cargo pallets on the main deck, as well as increased height passenger ceilings. 777 interiors can also be quickly reconfigured if necessary, allowing airlines to better adjust to changing market requirements.

The 777 has also won contract competitions against the Airbus family with operators who need to operate out of severe duty conditions such as hot and high locations. Boeing backs the 777 with a more comprehensive performance garauntee in such harsh condition than does Airbus.

In terms of range, 777 is able to fly at greater weights and with more passengers for longer distances than the twin A330. It flies a higher payload a comparable distance to the A340. Advantages over the A340, besides payload capacity, are the efficiency of having only two large engines rather than four smaller ones. However, some operators may perceive a four engine design to be inherently safer than a twin. The 777 has set world records for circumnavigation of the world in a production commercial jet. This record, set by a 777-200IGW destined for Malaysia Air System, eclipsed one set months earlier by an Airbus A340.

The 777's level of automation can also be a factor in its competitive advantage. 777 designers strived to achieve an optimal level of automation easing the pilot's work load while still leaving him in absolute control and not lulling him into complacency. Airbus' automatic systems have been regarded by some as having to much automony and control of the aircraft. This has been citied as the cause of several crashes. Several of these mishaps occurred at the hands of Airbus' own test pilots, including a new Air France A320 at an air show in France and an Airbus owned A330 during flight test. In airline hands, a China Airlines A310 perished in Nagoya Japan. All these incidents were attributed, at least in part, to the automatic pilot amd controls fighting with the human pilot over control of the aircraft in uncharacterized situations. While Airbus has made corrective changes, the negative publicity might work against Airbus in purchasing decisions.