Originally Posted by YVR Cockroach
These conditions seem to afflict the 343 more than a 744 in the real world. SQ dropped the 343 because of poor climb performance out of SIN. Basically the a/c couldn't get to cruise altitude over the Indian ocean (avoiding storms and trying to get into the flight paths with 744s whizzing past overhead). And Airbus wings are supposed to be designed for climb (while Boeing supposedly optimises for cruise).
The 340 series got engines more suited to what they required with the Trents used in the -500 and -600.
AC had the same problem with the 343 leaving DEL it could not get enough altitude fast enough to cross the mountains??? so it ended up burning to much fuel or leaving luggage behind........ or worse yet stopping for fuel.