Encyclopedia - Airbus A340
Offering the highest degree of passenger comfort and economy combined with operational flexibility, the A340 long range Family is the undoubted market leader in the 295-380 seat categories and provides unmatchable market coverage over long to ultra-long range routes.
The A340-300 carries typically 295 passengers in three classes up to 13,700km/7,400nm. The A340-600 which entered service in July 2002, accommodates typically 380 passengers in three classes with a range of up to 14,640km/7,900nm while the ultra-long range, 313-seat, A340-500 can fly passengers up to 16,600km/9,000nm, operating the longest non-stop commercial routes in the world.
Airbus has achieved certification for the latest version of the long range A340-600, the 380 tonne variant from The European Aviation and Safety Agency (EASA). The new aircraft brings extended range, greater passenger capacity and overall substantially enhanced productivity for airlines. This concludes a successful four month test campaign following the aircraft’s first flight in November 2005. Certification of the new variant of the ultra long-range A340-500 is due to take place in the beginning of 2007. These aircraft are equipped with the latest development of the Rolls-Royce Trent 500 engines and benefit from technologies developed for the A380, including new manufacturing technique such as laser beam welding. The first aircraft of this type will be delivered to Qatar Airways in summer 2006.
In the quietest cabin in the sky, A340 aircraft accommodate all passengers in superior comfort. First Class passengers enjoy a luxurious four-abreast arrangement; those in Business Class are assured either an aisle or window seat, while Economy Class passengers are usually seated eight-across ensuring that no passenger is ever more than one seat away from an aisle. Passengers can also enjoy a bright cabin with innovative light system enabling to simulate unique atmosphere like sunset or sunrise. A340 cabin offers a large pallet of options permitting airlines to customise and adapt their cabin to the specifics of their market.
Greater passenger comfort is but one benefit of the A340 Family. These aircraft also offer tremendous operating efficiency that is further enhanced by the ability to generate cargo revenue thanks to their voluminous cargo holds. A340-600 customers also have the option to install a lower-deck area with toilets, galleys and crew rest facilities. Not only does this provide more amenities for passengers and crew, but significantly it frees up additional space for seats on the main deck, thus creating greater revenue potential for airlines.
The A340-500 and -600, maintain the Airbus leadership in technology and innovation through the use of advanced materials, systems and avionics. Many of these features are also incorporated into the A340-300 Enhanced. Technology-driven reductions in airframe maintenance costs apply across the A340 Family resulting in lighter aircraft and reduced fuel costs. In addition the A340-300 Enhanced benefits from reductions in engine maintenance cost. The CFM56-5C4/P engine delivers improved fuel efficiency whilst more than satisfying future noise and emission standards.
The advantages of Airbus A340 Family operation are benefiting from Airbus exceptional system of operational commonality that can reduce training time and costs for pilots and maintenance teams; its four-engine configuration facilitates operational planning over shortened long and ultra-long range routes and offers airlines the ability to open up new routes. The benefit of four engines enables A340 aircraft to fly without restrictions over vast expanses of inhospitable areas such as mountains, deserts and Polar Regions.
In service with Air Canada, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways the A340-500, the world’s longest-range aircraft, is flying the planet’s longest commercial non-stop air routes, such as Singapore to Los Angeles, heralding a new era of air travel. The A340-600 has already attracted interest from Middle East-based airlines in particular Qatar, Emirates and Etihad, as well as Lufthansa, Iberia and Virgin Atlantic in Europe. Currently more than 700 A330/A340/A350 Family aircraft are in operation with almost 80 operators and there are more than 300 aircraft in Airbus’ substantial backlog of orders.
Headquartered in Toulouse Airbus is an EADS joint Company with BAE Systems.
Information supplied by Airbus
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