The Airbus A340 is rapidly disappearing from the skies

 

The Airbus A340, once hailed as a revolutionary aircraft for long-haul travel, is rapidly disappearing from the skies. Introduced 30 years ago, the four-engine plane was meant to replace aging Boeing 747s and DC-10s, boasting an unbeatable range. However, despite its impressive capabilities, the A340 has failed to gain traction, with only 380 produced since its introduction, compared to 565 of its successor, the A350, since 2015.

The A340's main characteristic – its four engines – has become a liability as fuel costs have risen and twin-engine jets have offered similar performance with lower operating costs. The Boeing 777, its main competitor, has outsold the A340 10 to one, and even taken away its record for the longest nonstop flight.

As of February 2024, only 64 A340s remain in service with 17 airlines globally, down from over 100 before the pandemic. Lufthansa is the only airline operating more than 10 A340s, while many leading airlines, such as Air France, Iberia, Singapore Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic, have abandoned the type completely.

The A340-500 variant, introduced in 2003 as the world's longest-range commercial airliner, has fared even worse, with no airlines currently operating it. Singapore Airlines used to operate the world's longest flight from Newark to Singapore on the A340-500, but discontinued the route due to high costs, particularly fuel.

The decline of the A340 can be attributed to the advancement of twin-engine jets, which have obtained better safety ratings, allowing them to fly for longer in case of engine failure. The Airbus A350, for example, has a certification record of up to 370 minutes of single-engine flight time. This has made four-engine jets like the A340 less necessary for long-haul flights.

Aviation enthusiasts and passengers alike will miss the A340, known for its unique design and quiet cabin. Sam Chui, who has flown on the A340 over 50 times, remembers the plane's all-business class configuration on the Newark to Singapore flight and its slow takeoff. However, the A340's underpowered engines and high maintenance costs have made it less desirable for airlines.

Without a cargo version to prolong its lifespan, the A340 is likely to disappear from the skies entirely within a decade or two. For now, it still has some life left, with charter airline HiFly operating flights to Antarctica with an A340-300. As its numbers dwindle, the A340 will become a rare sight for planespotters, making it an exciting aircraft to watch, especially during takeoff.