The Airbus A340-300 is a long-range, four-engine wide-body aircraft and the most widely used variant of the A340 family. Introduced in the early 1990s, it was developed alongside the A330 and shares many design elements, including the fuselage and wing structure. Compared to the earlier A340-200, the A340-300 features a longer fuselage, increased seating capacity, and improved performance.

Its four-engine configuration allowed it to operate ultra-long-haul routes without the need for ETOPS certification, making it a reliable option for airlines flying over remote areas or large bodies of water. Although newer twin-engine aircraft have largely replaced it in commercial service, the A340-300 remains an important part of aviation history.

Key Specifications (A340-300)

• Crew: 2 (Pilots).
• Capacity: Typically 280–440 passengers (depending on configuration).
• Length: 63.69 m (208 ft 11 in).
• Wingspan: 60.30 m (197 ft 10 in).
• Height: 16.85 m (55 ft 4 in).
• Max Takeoff Weight (MTOW): Up to 275,000 kg (606,000 lb).
• Engines: 4× CFM International CFM56-5C4 turbofans.
• Cruise Speed: Mach 0.82 (~871 km/h or 541 mph).
• Range: ~13,500 km (8,388 mi).
• Ceiling: ~41,000 ft (12,500 m).

Notable Features

• Four-engine design allowed unrestricted global operation before ETOPS expansion.
• Increased passenger capacity and payload compared to the A340-200.
• Wide-body cabin suitable for long-haul comfort and premium configurations.
• Fly-by-wire system shared with the A330, simplifying pilot training.
• Strong long-haul reliability, ideal for intercontinental routes.

Variants

• A340-200 – The original version with lower passenger capacity but extended range.
• A340-300 – Longer fuselage with more seating and improved fuel efficiency.
• A340-500 – Ultra-long-range variant with a range of up to 16,670 km (10,350 mi), ideal for the world’s longest non-stop flights.
• A340-600 – Stretched version with the highest seating capacity (up to 475 passengers) in the A340 family.

Operators & Usage

• Operated by major airlines like Lufthansa, Swiss International Air Lines, South African Airways, and Air France.
• Frequently used for long-haul and transoceanic flights between continents.
• Many aircraft have since been retired or converted for cargo and VIP transport.
• A few remain in service, particularly for charter, government, or military applications.