Airbus A330 vs A340 | Range | Capacity | Performance

Choosing the right airplane for airlines is a big deal, and one common question is: Airbus A330 vs A340? Let’s dive into the exciting world of planes and find out what makes these two special and how airlines decide which one to go for.

Airbus A330 vs A340

Let’s break down the numbers for a clear comparison between the Airbus A330 and A340. The A340 is the larger aircraft, measuring 75.36 meters in overall length, compared to the A330’s 63.66 meters. The A340 also boasts a larger cabin length (60.98m) and a higher maximum take-off weight of 380.00 tonnes, while the A330 has a cabin length of 50.36 meters and a maximum take-off weight of 251.00 tonnes.

In terms of passenger capacity, the A340 can accommodate up to 475 passengers, whereas the A330 has a maximum seating capacity of 460. The A340 also has a higher fuel capacity, with a maximum of up to 204,500 liters, enabling it to cover a longer range of 14,450 kilometers. On the other hand, the A330 has a fuel capacity of 139,090 liters.

Certainly! Here’s a comparison table based on the provided data for Airbus A330 vs Airbus A340:

Characteristic	Airbus A330	Airbus A340
Overall Length	63.66 m	75.36 m
Cabin Length	50.36 m	60.98 m
Fuselage Width	5.64 m	5.64 m
Max Cabin Width	5.26 m	5.28 m
Wing Span (Geometric)	64 m	63.45 m
Height	16.79 m	17.93 m
Track	10.68 m	10.69 m
Wheelbase	25.38 m	32.89 m
Range	13,334 km	14,450 km
Mmo (Max Mach Number)	M0.86	M0.86
Max Ramp Weight	251.90 tonnes	381.20 tonnes
Max Take-off Weight	251.00 tonnes	380.00 tonnes
Max Landing Weight	191.0 tonnes	265.00 tonnes
Max Zero Fuel Weight	181.00 tonnes	251.00 tonnes
Max Fuel Capacity	139,090 litres	Up to 204,500 litres
Pax Max Seating	460	475
Typical Seating (3-class)	260-300	320-370
Cargo LD3 Capacity Underfloor	33	43
Max Pallet Number Underfloor	9 + 5 LD3	14
Water Volume	215 m³	268 m³

Please note that the values provided are based on the information given and may vary depending on specific configurations and models within each aircraft family.

Airbus A330

The Airbus A330-900, the largest in the A330neo Family, maintains a similar fuselage length to the A330-300, accommodating 260-300 seats or up to 460 in economy class. With an overall length of 63.66 meters and a range of 13,334 kilometers, it offers efficient performance for various routes. Featuring modern Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines and aerodynamic improvements, it reduces fuel consumption by 25%. The Airspace cabin prioritizes passenger comfort with spacious seating, ambient lighting, and advanced in-flight entertainment. In simple terms, the A330-900 combines cost-effectiveness with a luxurious cabin experience for airlines and passengers.

Airbus A330 Variants

The Airbus A330 family has different types to suit different airline needs. The A330-900 is the biggest in the A330neo Family and can carry a good number of passengers. There’s also the A330-800, a bit smaller but still efficient. The A330-200 is flexible, with a medium size and adaptable seating. And there’s the A330-300, which comes in various versions like the “A330-300_GE_AIRBUS_V10_300,” balancing passenger capacity and range. Each type has its own special features, giving airlines choices based on how many passengers they want to carry and where they want to fly.

1. Airbus A330-200
2. Airbus A330-300
3. Airbus A330-800
4. Airbus A330-900

Airbus A340

The Airbus A340 is a remarkable aircraft known for its size and long-distance capabilities. Developed by Airbus, this four-engine wide-body jetliner has made its mark in the aviation world with its distinctive appearance and impressive range. With the ability to carry a large number of passengers and cover substantial distances, the A340 has been a popular choice for airlines seeking to operate on long-haul routes. Its design and features contribute to a comfortable travel experience for passengers, making it a notable player in the world of commercial aviation.

Airbus A340 Variants

Each variant in the Airbus A340 family offers a unique combination of fuselage length, passenger capacity, and range, providing airlines with flexibility to choose the model that best suits their operational requirements. The extended operating range of up to 9,000 nautical miles makes these jetliners suitable for long-haul flights.

1. Airbus A340-200
2. Airbus A340-300
3. Airbus A340-500
4. Airbus A340-600

Airbus A330 vs A340 Dimensions

The Airbus A330 and A340 have differences in their size, affecting how they perform. The A340 is bigger overall, measuring 75.36 meters in length compared to the A330’s 63.66 meters. Inside the plane, the A340 provides more space with a cabin length of 60.98 meters, while the A330 has a cabin length of 50.36 meters. Even though both planes have the same fuselage width of 5.64 meters, the A340 has a slightly wider cabin at 5.28 meters, while the A330’s cabin is 5.26 meters wide. The A330 has a longer wing span at 64 meters, while the A340 is a bit taller at 17.93 meters compared to the A330’s 16.79 meters. The A340 also has a wider wheelbase and track, making it larger and possibly affecting stability and maneuverability. Airlines should keep these size differences in mind when choosing an aircraft that fits their needs and space limitations.

Dimensions	Airbus A330	Airbus A340
Overall Length	63.66 m	75.36 m
Cabin Length	50.36 m	60.98 m
Fuselage Width	5.64 m	5.64 m
Max Cabin Width	5.26 m	5.28 m
Wing Span (Geometric)	64 m	63.45 m
Height	16.79 m	17.93 m
Track	10.68 m	10.69 m
Wheelbase	25.38 m	32.89 m

Airbus A330 vs A340 Performance

The Airbus A330 and A340 are different planes with some key differences. The A340 has a longer range of 14,450 km compared to the A330’s 13,334 km. They both have the same maximum speed at M0.86. The A340 is larger and heavier, with a max ramp weight of 381.20 tonnes, while the A330 is 251.90 tonnes. The A340 also has higher maximum take-off weight, landing weight, zero fuel weight, and fuel capacity, making it better for longer flights and heavier loads. However, the A330 might be more fuel-efficient and flexible in certain situations due to its smaller size. Choosing between them depends on specific airline needs and how the aircraft will be used.

Parameter	Airbus A330	Airbus A340
Range	13,334 km	14,450 km
Mmo (Max Mach Number)	M0.86	M0.86
Max Ramp Weight	251.90 tonnes	381.20 tonnes
Max Take-off Weight	251.00 tonnes	380.00 tonnes
Max Landing Weight	191.0 tonnes	265.00 tonnes
Max Zero Fuel Weight	181.00 tonnes	251.00 tonnes
Max Fuel Capacity	139,090 litres	Up to 204,500 litres

Airbus A330 vs A340 Cabins & Capacity

The Airbus A330 and A340 have different capacities to meet the needs of airlines. The A340 can carry more passengers with a maximum seating of 475, while the A330 can accommodate up to 460 passengers. In a typical 3-class setup, the A340 seats 320-370 passengers, while the A330 ranges from 260-300. For cargo, the A340 is better equipped, offering a larger underfloor capacity for LD3 containers (43 compared to 33) and the ability to carry more pallets (14 compared to 9 + 5 LD3). Additionally, the A340 has a larger water volume of 268 m³, which makes it versatile for different operational needs. Airlines need to consider these capacity variations when choosing the aircraft that suits their specific passenger and cargo requirements.

Capacity	Airbus A330	Airbus A340
Pax Max Seating	460	475
Typical Seating (3-class)	260-300	320-370
Cargo LD3 Capacity Underfloor	33	43
Max Pallet Number Underfloor	9 + 5 LD3	14
Water Volume	215 m³	268 m³

Airbus A330 vs A340 Prices

The Airbus A330 and A340 have different prices. The A330-200 started at $238.5 million, the A330-300 at $264.2 million, and the A330-800neo at $260 million. But if you’re into a cheaper option, the A330-900 is at $115 million. Now, going back to 1992, the A340-200 was $105 million, which would be $191 million today. The A340-300 was $238.0 million, now it’s like $309.6 million. The A340-500 was a big $340.7 million, and the A340-600 was $275.4 million, but now it’s around $358.3 million. These price changes show how airlines think about money when picking their planes.

Aircraft Model	Original Price (Million USD)
A330-200	$238.5M
A330-300	$264.2M
A330-800neo	$260M
A330-900	$115M
A340-200	$191M
A340-300	$309.6M
A340-500	$340.7M
A340-600	$358.3M

Conclusion

when comparing the Airbus A330 and A340, each has its strengths. The A330 is efficient and versatile for various routes, while the A340 excels in long-distance flights. The best choice depends on what an airline needs – whether it’s flexibility and efficiency with the A330 or extended range with the A340. Both planes offer unique benefits, allowing airlines to tailor their choices based on specific operational requirements and priorities in the ever-changing world of aviation.

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