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The Airbus A340 is one of the most iconic long-haul aircraft ever produced by Airbus. Launched in the early 1990s, it was designed to meet the growing demand for intercontinental travel and to compete directly with the Boeing 747. Known for its four-engine configuration, the A340 became a symbol of range, reliability, and prestige for many airlines.
It served as a flagship aircraft for carriers such as Lufthansa, Air France, and Singapore Airlines, enabling nonstop connections between continents before the era of ultra-long-range twinjets.
Although production ended in 2011, the A340 remains in service with several airlines and is frequently used for charter, VIP, and cargo conversion missions thanks to its endurance and widebody capacity.
The aircraft was developed in four main versions:
→ A340-200, the shortest variant, optimized for long-range but lower-capacity routes
→ A340-300, the most widely used version, offering a balanced mix of range and seating
→ A340-500, known for ultra-long-haul capability, connecting distant city pairs such as Singapore–New York
→ A340-600, the largest member of the family, with capacity for over 370 passengers and one of the longest fuselages ever built for a commercial aircraft
The Airbus A340 family includes several variants (A340-200, A340-300, A340-500, and A340-600), each optimized for different missions. Key performance features include:
→ Engines: 4 turbofan engines (CFM International or Rolls-Royce Trent, depending on variant)
→ Range: from 13,000 km (A340-300) to 16,700 km (A340-500)
→ Passenger capacity: from 250 to 370 seats in typical configurations
→ Cruising speed: Mach 0.82–0.83
→ Cargo volume: approx. 160 m³ to 210 m³ depending on the version
→ MTOW (Maximum Take-Off Weight): up to 380 tonnes for the A340-600
Thanks to its four engines, the A340 was not limited by ETOPS regulations, giving airlines the flexibility to operate routes over oceans, remote areas, and polar regions with unmatched reliability at the time of its introduction.
The A340 was built for versatility, with multiple applications across commercial and charter operations.
Typical missions include:
→ Long-haul passenger flights between intercontinental hubs
→ High-capacity charter flights for groups, sports teams, or corporate travel
→ VIP and governmental operations with customized cabin layouts
→ Cargo conversion programs (P2F) for oversized or long-range freight missions
For charter brokers like Artheau Aviation, the Airbus A340 remains a valuable aircraft for group travel and special missions, thanks to its combination of range, comfort, and cargo space.
The Airbus A340 continues to offer unique benefits in today’s aviation market. Its advantages include:
→ Range without compromise: the ability to connect distant cities non-stop, including ultra-long-haul routes
→ Passenger comfort: a wide fuselage ensuring spacious cabins, ideal for group travel, corporate events, and premium experiences
→ Cargo flexibility: large belly holds capable of accommodating baggage, sports equipment, or specialized freight alongside passengers
→ Operational reliability: a proven aircraft with robust systems and strong availability for charter and ACMI leasing
At Artheau Aviation, we provide tailored A340 charter solutions for group transport, long-haul missions, or corporate events, ensuring flexibility, safety, and world-class service.
From private jet charters to commercial group flights and dedicated cargo operations, we deliver tailored air solutions for every mission, anywhere in the world.