Modern Jetliners: The Airbus A340

I still remember the first time I laid eyes on an Airbus A340 back in 1996 when Philippine Airlines acquired the aircraft. Up until that point, I believed that all Airbus planes had only two engines, so I found myself puzzled. Was it a new Boeing model? Or perhaps a fresh Fokker jet? It wasn’t until later that I came to understand that the quadjet I was admiring was indeed the Airbus A340, the very first four-engine aircraft from Airbus!

Over the course of its operations, PAL has flown a combined 14 Airbus A340s, comprising four A340-200s and ten A340-300s. For more information about PAL’s A340 fleet, click here.

You might wonder why Airbus decided to venture into quadjet territory when they had already made a name for themselves with their twin-engine models like the A300, A310, A320, and A330. Let me share some insights into the fascinating world of the Airbus A340.

Airbus A340: The First Long-Range Airbus Jet

The Airbus A340 is a remarkable long-range, wide-body passenger aircraft developed and manufactured by Airbus. It all started in the mid-1970s when Airbus envisioned several variants of its first-ever airliner, the A300. The company decided to develop the A340 quadjet in tandem with the A330 twinjet. In June 1987, Airbus introduced both designs to the world and secured their first orders.

The A340-300 took to the skies for its maiden flight on October 25, 1991. It didn’t take long for it to get certified alongside the A340-200 on December 22, 1992. Both versions made their grand debut in March 1993, with Lufthansa and Air France as the proud launch customers.

Airbus didn’t stop there, though. The larger A340-500/600 models were unveiled on December 8, 1997. The A340-600 completed its first flight on April 23, 2001, and officially entered service on August 1, 2002. The Airbus A340 has certainly come a long way since its inception, leaving a lasting impression on the world of aviation.

Design Highlights

The Airbus A340 is a trailblazing twin-aisle passenger airliner known for being the first long-range aircraft by Airbus. It’s powered by four turbofan jet engines and incorporates technology from earlier Airbus models, such as the A320 glass cockpit. The A340 shares many features and components with the A330, including the identical fly-by-wire control systems and similar wings. In fact, most of the A340’s features and improvements are also shared with the A330. By having a four-engine configuration, the A340 avoids the ETOPS constraints that necessitate more frequent inspections.

A Wing with High Aspect Ratio

The A340 boasts a low cantilever wing, with the A340-200/300 wing virtually identical to that of the A330. Both engine pylons are utilized on the A340, while only the inboard one is used on the A330. The two engines on each wing provide a more evenly distributed weight, allowing for a higher wing-limited MTOW for increased range. BAe designed and manufactured the wings, developing a long, slender wing with a high aspect ratio for superior aerodynamic efficiency.

The wing has a 30-degree sweepback, enabling a maximum operating Mach number of 0.86. To achieve a long span and high aspect ratio without significant weight penalties, the wing has a relatively high thickness-to-chord ratio. The A340’s winglets stand at 2.74 meters (9.0 feet) tall, replacing the wingtip fences found on earlier Airbus aircraft. Due to the failure of the ultra-high-bypass IAE SuperFan, the wings underwent upgrades to compensate for the loss in fuel efficiency.

A Technologically Advanced Cockpit

The A340’s cockpit is a modified version of the A320 glass cockpit, featuring side-stick controls instead of a conventional yoke. The main instrument panel is dominated by six displays, initially cathode ray tube monitors and later liquid crystal displays. Flight information is managed through the Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS), while system information is relayed via the Electronic Centralised Aircraft Monitor (ECAM).

Various sensors are monitored by the aircraft, which automatically alerts the crew to any parameters outside their normal range. Electronic manuals have replaced paper ones, with optional web-based updates available. Maintenance costs and difficulty have been reduced to half of those of the earlier and smaller Airbus A310. Improved engine control and monitoring have increased time on wing, and the centralized maintenance computer can transmit real-time information to ground facilities through the onboard satellite-based ACARS datalink. While structural maintenance remains unchanged, cabin sophistications such as in-flight entertainment have been enhanced compared to previous airliners.

Design Highlights

• Four turbofan jet engines: A major innovation for Airbus, the A340’s four-engine configuration allows it to avoid ETOPS constraints and fly longer distances without the need for more frequent inspections.
• Twin-aisle layout: This feature provides passengers with a more spacious and comfortable cabin experience, perfect for long-haul flights.
• High aspect ratio wing: Designed and manufactured by BAe, the A340’s long, slender wing allows for better aerodynamic efficiency, ultimately leading to fuel savings.
• Winglets: Standing at 2.74 meters (9.0 feet) tall, these winglets improve the aircraft’s performance by reducing drag, further contributing to fuel efficiency.
• Glass cockpit: Borrowing technology from the A320, the A340’s cockpit features side-stick controls and advanced displays, streamlining flight information and systems management.
• Fly-by-wire control systems: Shared with the A330, these advanced systems enhance the aircraft’s handling and stability, making for a smoother and more enjoyable flight experience.
• Electronic Centralised Aircraft Monitor (ECAM): This advanced system provides real-time information on various aircraft parameters, ensuring that pilots have all the necessary information at their fingertips.
• Electronic manuals: Replacing traditional paper manuals, the A340 offers electronic manuals with optional web-based updates, simplifying maintenance processes and reducing costs.
• In-flight entertainment: The A340’s cabin is equipped with state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment options, providing passengers with a more enjoyable flying experience.

Airbus A340 Variants

Airbus A340-200

The Airbus A340-200 is the smallest and most nimble of the family, offering seating for 210 to 250 passengers in a typical 3-class configuration. Designed for medium to long-range routes, this variant boasts an impressive range of 12,400 km (6,700 nautical miles), making it perfect for connecting far-flung cities across the globe.

• Cockpit crew: Two
• 3-class seats: 210–250
• Typical layout: 303 (30F + 273Y)
• Exit limit: 420(c)/375
• Length: 59.39 m / 194 ft 10 in
• Wingspan: 60.3 m / 197.83 ft
• Wing: 363.1 m2 (3,908 sq ft), 29.7° sweep, 10 AR
• Height: 17.03 m / 55.86 ft
• Fuselage: 5.287 m / 208.15 in cabin width, 5.64 m / 18.5 ft outside width
• Cargo volume: 132.4 m3 (4,680 cu ft)
• MTOW: 275 t (606,000 lb)
• Max. Payload: 51 t (112,000 lb)
• OEW: 118 t (260,000 lb)
• Max. Fuel: 110.4 t / 243,395 lb
• Engines (x4): CFM International CFM56-5C
• Thrust (x4): 138.78–151.24 kN (31,200–34,000 lbf)
• Speed: Mach 0.86 (493 kn; 914 km/h) max, Mach 0.82 (470 kn; 871 km/h) cruise
• Range, 3-class: 12,400 km / 6,700 nmi
• Take off: 2,900 m (9,500 ft)
• Ceiling: 41,100 ft (12,527 m)

Airbus A340-300

Next up is the A340-300, a slightly larger sibling with seating for 250 to 290 passengers. This variant is known for its impressive range of 13,500 km (7,300 nautical miles) and its ability to tackle long-haul routes with ease. Its increased capacity and range make it an attractive option for airlines looking to optimize their long-haul operations.

• Cockpit crew: Two
• 3-class seats: 250–290
• Typical layout: 335 (30F + 305Y)
• Exit limit: 375/440(c)
• Length: 63.66 m / 208 ft 10 in
• Wingspan: 60.3 m / 197.83 ft
• Wing: 363.1 m2 (3,908 sq ft), 29.7° sweep, 10 AR
• Height: 16.99 m / 55.72 ft
• Fuselage: 5.287 m / 208.15 in cabin width, 5.64 m / 18.5 ft outside width
• Cargo volume: 158.4 m3 (5,590 cu ft)
• MTOW: 276.5 t (610,000 lb)
• Max. Payload: 52 t (115,000 lb)
• OEW: 131 t (289,000 lb)
• Max. Fuel: 110.4 t / 243,395 lb
• Engines (x4): CFM International CFM56-5C
• Thrust (x4): 138.78–151.24 kN (31,200–34,000 lbf)
• Speed: Mach 0.86 (493 kn; 914 km/h) max, Mach 0.82 (470 kn; 871 km/h) cruise
• Range, 3-class: 13,500 km / 7,300 nmi
• Take off: 3,000 m (10,000 ft)
• Ceiling: 41,450 ft (12,634 m)

Airbus A340-500

The A340-500 is a true long-range champion, with a range of 16,670 km (9,000 nautical miles) and seating for 270 to 310 passengers. This variant was designed for ultra-long-haul routes, enabling non-stop flights between almost any two points on Earth. Its powerful Rolls-Royce Trent 553 engines provide the necessary thrust for these ambitious journeys.

• Cockpit crew: Two
• 3-class seats: 270–310
• Typical layout: 313 (12F + 36J + 265Y)
• Exit limit: 375
• Length: 67.33 m / 220 ft 11 in
• Wingspan: 63.45 m / 208.17 ft
• Wing: 437.3 m2 (4,707 sq ft), 31.1° sweep, 9.2 AR
• Height: 17.53 m / 57.51 ft
• Fuselage: 5.287 m / 208.15 in cabin width, 5.64 m / 18.5 ft outside width
• Cargo volume: 149.7 m3 (5,290 cu ft)
• MTOW: 380 t (840,000 lb)
• Max. Payload: 54 t (119,000 lb)
• OEW: 168 t (370,000 lb)
• Max. Fuel: 175.2 t / 386,292 lb
• Engines (x4): Trent 553
• Thrust (x4): 248.12–275.35 kN (55,780–61,902 lbf)
• Speed: Mach 0.86 (493 kn; 914 km/h) max, Mach 0.82 (470 kn; 871 km/h) cruise
• Range, 3-class: 16,670 km / 9,000 nmi
• Take off: 3,350 m (10,990 ft)
• Ceiling: 41,450 ft (12,634 m)

Airbus A340-600

Last but not least, the A340-600 is the largest of the family, offering seating for 320 to 370 passengers. With a range of 14,450 km (7,800 nautical miles), this variant is an excellent choice for airlines seeking to maximize capacity on long-haul routes. Its spacious cabin and advanced amenities ensure a comfortable and enjoyable flying experience for passengers on board.

• Cockpit crew: Two
• 3-class seats: 320–370
• Typical layout: 380 (12F + 54J + 314Y)
• Exit limit: 440
• Length: 74.77 m / 245 ft 3 in
• Wingspan: 63.45 m / 208.17 ft
• Wing: 437.3 m2 (4,707 sq ft), 31.1° sweep, 9.2 AR
• Height: 17.93 m / 58.84 ft
• Fuselage: 5.287 m / 208.15 in cabin width, 5.64 m / 18.5 ft outside width
• Cargo volume: 201.7 m3 (7,120 cu ft)
• MTOW: 380 t (840,000 lb)
• Max. Payload: 66 t (146,000 lb)
• OEW: 174 t (384,000 lb)
• Max. Fuel: 155.5 t / 342,905 lb
• Engines (x4): Trent 556
• Thrust (x4): 248.12–275.35 kN (55,780–61,902 lbf)
• Speed: Mach 0.86 (493 kn; 914 km/h) max, Mach 0.82 (470 kn; 871 km/h) cruise
• Range, 3-class: 14,450 km / 7,800 nmi
• Take off: 3,400 m (11,200 ft)
• Ceiling: 41,450 ft (12,634 m)

The Airbus A340’s Journey: A Trip Down Memory Lane

Back in 1993, the aviation world welcomed the Airbus A340-200 with open arms as it took to the skies for the first time with Lufthansa. The A340 quickly gained popularity as a medium-sized long-haul aircraft, becoming a favorite among airlines like Air France, Virgin Atlantic, and Singapore Airlines. This fuel-efficient quadjet allowed airlines to retire older and less efficient Boeing 747s, making room for the sleek and modern A340.

Not only did the A340 serve as a workhorse for commercial airlines, but it also found a niche as a VIP transport for various governments. Heads of state, royalty, and other key figures enjoyed the luxury and comfort of the A340 as they traveled the globe.

However, as fuel prices soared in 2008, the A340’s appeal began to wane. Airlines like Thai Airways International canceled ultra-long-haul routes, and others shifted their focus to more fuel-efficient twin-engine aircraft. Despite the A340’s setbacks, some carriers like International Airlines Group and Lufthansa committed to overhauling their fleets, offering upgraded interiors and amenities to attract passengers.

The A340 faced stiff competition from its Boeing counterpart, the twin-jet 777, which offered greater efficiency and range as a long-range twin-engine aircraft. This led airlines to retire their A340s in favor of B777s. On November 10, 2011, Airbus declared the end of the A340 program, having delivered all firm orders by that time. The decision came as orders for the A340-500/600 halted. Analyst Nick Cunningham observed that the A340 was too heavy, and there was a significant fuel burn gap between it and the Boeing 777. Bertrand Grabowski, managing director of DVB Bank SE, noted that in a high fuel price environment, the A340 couldn’t compete against similar twin-engine aircraft. Learn more about the A340’s decline here.

In 2013, Snecma announced plans to use the A340 as a flying testbed for a new open rotor engine, aiming to push the boundaries of fuel efficiency and innovation. In 2021, a Portuguese charter carrier made history by landing an A340 in Antarctica for the first time.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic dealt a significant blow to the aviation industry, Lufthansa, the largest remaining A340 operator, recommitted to its fleet, bringing the A340-600 back into service in late 2021. As of December 2021, the A340 fleet had carried over 600 million passengers, completed more than 2.5 million flights, and achieved a 99 percent operational reliability rate.

In the end, the Airbus A340’s journey is a testament to its enduring legacy in the world of aviation. From its humble beginnings to its innovative present, the A340 remains a symbol of progress, adaptability, and the spirit of flight.