Airbus A-340-600
The Airbus A340-600 was, at its introduction in 2002, the longest passenger airliner in the world, stretching almost 75 metres. It uses four engines instead of two, a layout chosen mainly for extra-long overwater routes at a time when twin-engine jets faced stricter range restrictions. This four-engine design made it more expensive to operate than later twinjets, and production ended as rules changed and efficient twin-engine widebodies like the A330 and 777 took over its routes. Despite that, its huge cabin gave airlines exceptional passenger capacity on the longest non-stop routes.
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Did you know?
At its 2002 debut, the A340-600 was the longest passenger airliner ever built, stretching almost 75 metres.
Specifications
| Length | 75.4 m (247 ft) |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 63.5 m (208 ft) |
| Height | 17.9 m (59 ft) |
| Maximum passengers | 380 |
| Persons on board | 378-550 |
| Maximum take-off weight | 365 t |
| Range | 7,550 NM (13,983 km) |
| Maximum speed | 493 kt (913 km/h) |
| Service ceiling | 41,100 ft (12,527 m) |
| Optimum ceiling | 35,000 ft (10,668 m) |
| Rate of climb | 3,500 ft/min (17.8 m/s) |
| Take-off distance | 3,200 m (10,499 ft) |
| Landing distance | 2,300 m (7,546 ft) |
| Fuel capacity | 195,000 l |
| Engines | RR Trent 556 |
| Units built | 97 |
Curated by CatchFlights from manufacturer documents, ICAO Doc 8643 and reference works; values are left out where no source could confirm them. Sources are listed on our credits page.
In CatchFlights
In CatchFlights the Airbus A-340-600 starts as a Very rare catch. The tier is an editorial judgement of how special a sighting of this type is. The more often you catch it, the closer it moves to Common for you.
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