The story
Built when airlines thought four engines were safer over oceans. ETOPS rules changed, twins won, and the A340 became a beautiful relic. If you see one, savor it — they're disappearing fast.
The A340-500 once held the record for the longest non-stop commercial flight: Singapore to Newark, 18+ hours.
Quick answers
How do you identify a A340?
Four engines on an A330-style wing — the instant giveaway. Look for the extra main gear leg on the centreline under the belly. Increasingly rare.
What does a A340 sound like?
Four CFM56s create a distinctive humming chord — different from twin-engine widebodies.
How fast is the A340?
Top speed is 470 kts.
How many passengers does the A340 carry?
Up to 475. A typical layout is 250-290 (3-class, A340-300).
How far can the A340 fly?
Range is about 6,700 nmi (-500: 9,000 nmi).
How big is the A340?
It is 208 ft 11 in long and 197 ft 10 in across the wings.
When did the A340 first fly?
Its first flight was in 1991.
How many A340s have been built?
377 built.
How rare is a A340 in Bogey?
RARE. A good day. Most spotters go weeks between sightings of something this rare. Your first A340 catch is worth 250 points.
