The Airbus A340-500 is the ultra-long-range variant of the A340 family, designed for the world’s longest non-stop flights. Introduced in the early 2000s, the A340-500 was developed to meet the growing demand for ultra-long-haul routes and could connect distant city pairs without the need for refueling or stopovers.

It features a slightly shorter fuselage than the A340-600 but includes additional fuel capacity, a strengthened structure, and more powerful engines. With a range of over 16,000 kilometers, the A340-500 was once used on some of the longest commercial routes in the world, including Singapore to New York and Dubai to Los Angeles.

While it offered exceptional range and passenger comfort, the aircraft’s four-engine layout made it less fuel-efficient compared to newer twin-engine aircraft, leading many airlines to retire it in favor of more modern models.

Key Specifications (A340-500)

• Crew: 2 (Pilots).
• Capacity: Typically 270–310 passengers (depending on configuration).
• Length: 67.90 m (222 ft 7 in).
• Wingspan: 63.45 m (208 ft 2 in).
• Height: 17.30 m (56 ft 9 in).
• Max Takeoff Weight (MTOW): Up to 380,000 kg (837,800 lb).
• Engines: 4× Rolls-Royce Trent 553 or 556 turbofans.
• Cruise Speed: Mach 0.82 (~871 km/h or 541 mph).
• Range: ~16,670 km (10,350 mi).
• Ceiling: ~41,000 ft (12,500 m).

Notable Features

• Exceptional ultra-long-range capability, ideal for nonstop intercontinental travel.
• Heavier-duty landing gear and structure to support additional fuel.
• More powerful Rolls-Royce engines for better performance on long flights.
• Spacious wide-body cabin with flexibility for premium layouts.
• Extended wingspan with improved aerodynamics and wingtip fences.

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 airlines such as Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and Qatar Airways for premium long-haul routes.
• Previously used on record-breaking non-stop flights, such as Singapore to Newark.
• Some aircraft have been converted for private VIP use or government transport.
• Retired by most airlines due to high operating costs compared to modern twins like the A350 and Boeing 787.