Airbus A-340 Scrapbook
SAS A-340-313X on approach
Story by Ken Kula, photos by Corey Beitler and Ken Kula
The Airbus Industries A-340 airliner was designed as a long-ranged, four engined transport in the early 1980s. Although new twin-engined ETOPS-capable international jetliners (Boeing B-767 and Airbus’ A-310) were being developed, a four-engine alternative was deemed desirable, especially for trans-Pacific travel due to the longer distances and overwater endurance needed in that hemisphere. Ultimately, four major variants were produced.
Qatar government A-340-211 at LHR (London’s Heathrow Airport).
The A-340-200 and -300 versions
The original A-340 version was known as the A-340-200, with seating for around 260 passengers. Four CFM56 engines powered the jet, for a range of around 7500 nautical miles. Only 28 of this model were built, as sales of a larger version offered better economy. Several -200s were converted into VIP or heads of state aircraft. The first flight of this version occurred on October 21, 1991.
Air Tahiti Nui A-340-313 at LAX (Los Angeles International Airport)
The next A-340 version produced was the A-340-300 series. Seating was increased by about three dozen passengers over the -200 aircraft, but with a slight decrease in range due to added weight. The first -300 airframe flew just days after the initial -200 jet. Four CFM56 engines, similar to those on the -200 series, powered the jets. Some 218 of the A-340-300 airframes were produced.
Singapore Airlines A-340-541 at LAX (Los Angeles International Airport)
The A-340-500 and -600 versions
The next version of the A-340 capitalized on range. The A-340-500 offered the longest range of any airliner when it was introduced in 2002. Capable of routes up to 9000 nautical miles, and able to remain in the air for 18 hours under the right conditions, the jet was larger than the -300 series, with room for much more fuel and powered by Rolls Royce Trent engines. There was room for a few dozen more passengers than the -300, due to the 14-foot stretched fuselage of this version. This model only attracted 34 orders, largely due to its inefficiency when compared to larger twin-jet transports such as the Boeing B-777.
Lufthansa A-340-642 on approach to PHL (Philadelphia International Airport)
The final version of the A-340 was the A-340-600 series jetliner, which first flew in 2001. The fuselage was lengthened by 39 feet when compared to the best-selling A-340-300. Seating was increased for more than 300 passengers for the first time, but the economics of having four engines (Rolls Royce Trents again) versus larger twin-jets (like the B-777-300 and A-330-300) suppressed sales when compared to the newest twinjets… only 97 A-340-600s were built.
