So can someone clear up what model this replaces or competes with?
340s are already out of production and I'm pretty sure it's gonna be rare to see one of them in the skies over time. Which is a shame. I like 340s.
Doesn't really replace much. I'd say the A330, as it's a twin, and wide-body. In fact, it's called 'XWB', standing for 'extra wide body'.
Better fuel consumption and better cabin for passengers. That's pretty much everything these days… B787/B737MAX, and A350XWB/A320NEO for the two big players for new generation (aside from B777-300ER and B747-800 as "renewed classics" for Boeing, and A380 and A330 for Airbus).