The Airbus A340 is a long-range, wide-body, four-engine jet airliner designed by Airbus to specifically challenge the dominance of the Boeing 747 in the ultra-long-haul market. Its four engines provided an advantage for long overwater flights before ETOPS rules for twin-engine aircraft were as developed as they are today, allowing it to open up new direct routes.
Here are its main characteristics:
- Type: Wide-body, four-engine jet airliner.
- Family: Consists of several variants, including the shorter A340-200, the more common A340-300, the ultra-long-range A340-500, and the stretched, high-capacity A340-600.
- Capacity: Varies significantly by variant, typically ranging from around 250 passengers (A340-200) to over 350 passengers (A340-600) in a three-class configuration.
- Range: Designed for very long-haul to ultra-long-haul intercontinental flights, capable of connecting distant city pairs non-stop. The A340-500 held records for the longest commercial flights for a time.
- First Flight: The A340-300 first flew in October 1991, entering commercial service in March 1993.
- Distinguishing Features: The most obvious feature is its four engines, which provided operational flexibility on routes far from diversion airports. It shares a common fuselage and wing design with its twin-engine sibling, the A330. It features advanced digital fly-by-wire controls. Later variants, particularly the A340-500 and -600, are known for their extreme length and larger fuel capacity.
- Usage: Used by airlines for long-haul and ultra-long-haul passenger routes. Its ability to operate long distances without ETOPS restrictions made it a popular choice for routes across oceans or remote areas.
While the A340 successfully competed in its era, advancements in twin-engine technology and ETOPS regulations led to a market shift towards more fuel-efficient twin-engine aircraft. Production of the A340 family ceased in 2011, and many operators have since retired their A340s in favor of newer models like the Boeing 777 or Airbus A350.
