IATA 346ICAO A346

Airbus A340-600

Airbus

TravelerPulse profile

Ultra-long-range quad-jet stretching the A340 family.

First flight

2001

Category

Wide-body jet

Seating

375–440 passengers (typical 3-class)

Range

14,600 km

Engines

Four CFM International CFM56-5C4 turbofans

Status

In service (limited)

The Airbus A340-600 is the longest variant of the A340 family, featuring a stretched fuselage that made it one of the longest commercial aircraft in the world at the time of its introduction. Powered by four CFM56 turbofan engines, it was designed for ultra-long-haul routes, offering airlines high passenger capacity over intercontinental distances without the need for extended-range twin-engine operational performance standards (ETOPS). The aircraft entered service in 2002 and was operated by carriers such as Virgin Atlantic, Lufthansa, and Iberia. However, the rise of more fuel-efficient twin-engine widebodies like the Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 made the four-engine A340-600 economically challenging to operate. Production ended in 2011, and most operators have since retired or wound down their fleets. Despite its commercial challenges, the A340-600 was notable for its passenger comfort and range capability. Airbus also used a modified A340-600 as the A380 flight-test chase aircraft and for other developmental roles.

Notable operators

Major operators included Lufthansa, Virgin Atlantic, Iberia, and Air France, with most fleets now retired or significantly reduced.

Notable facts

›At introduction, it was one of the longest commercial airliners in the world at approximately 75.3 metres.
›Production ended in 2011 after just over 97 aircraft were delivered.
›The A340-600 was largely outcompeted by the more fuel-efficient Boeing 777-300ER.
›Airbus used a specially modified A340-600 as a flying testbed for A380 engine and systems development.
›The type requires no ETOPS certification, as it operates on four engines.