Description:
The Airbus A340 is a four-engine, wide-body, non-stop long/ultra-long range airliner capable of carrying between 240 and 380 passengers over a range of up to 16,000 kilometers (8,600 nautical miles). It provides a high degree of comfort thanks to its spacious layout. The first ever A340 airliner, an A340-300 model, entered service in 1993.
Externally, the A340 is similar to the Airbus A330 excepting for the number of engines because both were developed simultaneously by Airbus to meet the requirements of long range and ultra-long range commercial aviation in the 200- to 400-seat category. The A330/340 family features optimized performance and design for lower operating costs.
The A340 airliner currently can be powered by Rolls Royce's Trent 500 (A340-500 and A340-600), or CFMI's CFM56-5C (A340-200 and A340-300) engines. In addition to its seating capacity, the A340 airliner can transport cargo (pallets or/and containers) thanks to its voluminous underfloor holds.
The Airbus A340-300 along with the A340-200 entered service in 1993 powered by four CFM56-5C engines. The program was launched in 1987 by Airbus Industry. Using a three-class cabin layout the A340-300 can carry up to 295 passengers over a range of 13,500 kilometers (7,300 nautical miles). The Airbus A340-300 has a larger fuselage, payload and seating capacity than the A340-200 model.
The A340-300E is an enhanced version of the A340-300 incorporating the newest technologies developed for the Airbus A340-500/-600 long range programs. It has, among others, the latest flight deck equipment, an increased passengers' comfort and enhanced engines. This will allow airlines to benefit from substantial operational cost savings as well as a brand new state of the art cabin.
On 27 June 2005, Airbus and Air Mauritius signed a purchase agreement for three Airbus A340-300E airliners plus purchase options on additional two airplanes. The first aircraft powered by four CFM56-5C4/P engines was due for delivery in the last quarter of 2006.
On 7 December 2005, Finland's carrier Finnair selected Airbus A350-900 and A340-300E/Enhanced airliners for its fleet modernization program. The A350-900 order was for nine aircraft with the first one delivered in 2011. A350-900 engine decision was delayed to a later date. The A340-300E order was for three aircraft powered by CFM56-5C4/P engines. The first A340 delivery was due in the spring of 2007.
Specifications Accommodation: Crew 2, Passengers 295
Dimensions: Height 16.7 m, Length 63.6 m, Wingspan 60.3 m
Weights: Max Weight 276 t, Min Weight 129 t, Payload 43,500 kg (95,899 lb)
Engine/s Performance: Thrust 148,000 lb (67,133 kg)
Performance: Max Range 13,700 km (7,397 nm), Top Speed 286 mps (Mach 0.86)
Argentina
Bahrain / 9 
Belgium
Chile
China
Finland / 3 
France
French Polynesia
Germany
Greece
Mauritius / 3 
Spain
Switzerland
Taiwan
Turkey
United States of America