AC A340-500s almost a done deal

[smoot4208]

I heard today from a high up airbus sim trainer that the 5 Air Canada A340-500s are almost a done deal for USAirways. These must be the airplanes that US will use for their long haul flights!

 

[US1YFARE]

HeeHaw--this airline be gettin' a triple wide trailer!

 

[EMBFA]

the 300s or 500s?

 

[A330US]

what station you hear this at ? i hope this is true !!!

 

[smoot4208]

The A340-500s

I heard this in Charlotte

 

[A330US]

cool
i just called my dad at CLT hangar, they havent heard anything. any other info regarding them ?

 

[smoot4208]

I Don't think there will be an anouncement until Alpa works everything out with the pay rates. This trainer was a high up trainer, so he probably gets filled in on info before most others

 

[A330US]

yeah this is great to hear, what would happen if US gets the planes, but not the route ??
i wish US looked at 777s as well

 

[BuffaloJoe]

yeah this is great to hear, what would happen if US gets the planes, but not the route ??
i wish US looked at 777s as well

Do the 500's have the same wingspan as the 300's?

 

[A330US]

Do the 500's have the same wingspan as the 300's?

no they dont
A340-300 ~197 ft 10in
A340-500- 208 ft

 

[flyingcat]

First AC only has 2 340 500s. The rest are 340-300s. 🙄

However there are 3 340-600s that they never took delivery of but are indefinitely delayed.

 

[BuffaloJoe]

no they dont
A340-300 ~197 ft 10in
A340-500- 208 ft

Will they fit in PHL gates?
So they can use the gates on both sides.

 

[delta777]

Congrats on getting the A340-500. It is a most capable aircraft indeed. It would open up potential new non-stops all throughout Asia and the Middle East, from either PHX or PHL. Longest commercial airliner in the world correct?

 

[EMBFA]

Its the 600 thats the longest in the world. Its really really really lomng... Its crazy looking. You could board it in Philly and cater it through the back in Pittburgh. Hey... theres an idea!

Other done deals.... United Airlines... Delta Air Lines etc etc

It would be nice to finally get more widebodies though.

 

[zethya]

Will they fit in PHL gates?
So they can use the gates on both sides.

Well a 747 has fit easily in all but 2 A-East Gates (BA/LH), so you can be certain a 340-500, which has a wingspan 3" shorter will easily fit into all but 1 A-West gate.

I find it really difficult to believe U.S. is going after the 9000nm 340-500 - it's an overkill and not really a popular aircraft sandwiched between the -300 and -600. Further the -500s have RR engines - can US maintain those or would the maintenance need to be contracted? Of course, they may have no other choice and with the -500 US could reach most anywhere in Asia (from PHL), except Singapore, including HKG, MNL,BKK and DEL. I would also have a problem believing Parker would get more than 2 or 3 of what ever he gets, unless he already has an agenda to start expanding to other than China, even assuming he gets the Route. As I proposed in an earlier Thread, if Parker is really serious about China, he should start gaining 6000+nm experience NOW. Looks like he is if this rumor is true.