The Airbus A340-600 is the longest variant of the Airbus A340 family, a long-range, wide-body passenger airliner characterized by its four engines. It was specifically designed to compete with the Boeing 747 in terms of capacity while offering lower operating costs per seat and ultra-long-range capabilities.
Here are its main characteristics:
- Type: Wide-body, four-engine jet airliner.
- Family: The stretched version of the A340 family, which includes the A340-200, -300, and -500.
- Capacity: Typically seats around 320-380 passengers in a three-class configuration, but can carry more in a denser layout.
- Range: Possesses excellent long-haul capabilities, capable of flying many of the world's longest commercial routes.
- First Flight: Made its maiden flight in April 2001.
- Distinguishing Features: Its most striking feature is its extreme length, making it one of the longest commercial aircraft ever built (surpassing even the Boeing 747 in length). It has four engines (Rolls-Royce Trent 500s), a feature that traditionally made it attractive for extended overwater operations before twin-engine aircraft gained similar ETOPS certifications. It also has a distinctive "canoe-shaped" fairing under the center fuselage, which houses the main landing gear bogeys.
- Usage: Primarily used by airlines for ultra-long-haul and high-capacity long-haul passenger routes.
The A340-600 represented a significant offering in the ultra-long-range market, providing a comfortable, spacious cabin and extensive range. However, with advancements in twin-engine technology and ETOPS ratings, the market shifted, and production of the A340 family ceased, with many airlines retiring their A340s in favor of more fuel-efficient twin-engine aircraft like the Boeing 777 or Airbus A350.
