Boeing 737-600 vs. Airbus A340-200

Launched in 1998, the Boeing 737-600 is the smallest aircraft in the 737 Next Generation (NG) series. It succeeded the 737-500, and was a significant evolution in Boeing's narrow-body offerings. It featured many upgraded features from the previous 737s, including aerodynamics, engines, and avionics. As the smallest NG variant, the 737-600 was designed for efficiency and adaptability, catering to airlines requiring a compact jet for short to medium-haul routes.

This aircraft extends 102.4 feet (31.2 meters) in length with a wingspan of 112.6 feet (34.3 meters). The 737-600, with a typical seating capacity for 123 passengers, offers an ideal balance between passenger comfort and efficiency, making it a fitting choice for airlines serving routes with moderate passenger demand. Equipped with two CFM International CFM56-7B20 engines, the 737-600 has a total thrust of 45,400 lbf (202.0 kN). This engine power, coupled with a fuel capacity of 6,868 US gallons (26,000 liters), gives the -600 a range of 3,051 nautical miles (5,650 kilometers). The 737-600 has a cruise speed of 528 mph (850 km/h) enabling airlines to maintain efficient and swift operations, particularly beneficial for regional network connections.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the Boeing 737-600 competed with aircraft such as the Airbus A318 and Bombardier CRJ series, offering airlines a modern alternative in the narrow-body market. Airlines including Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), Westjet, and Air Algerie operated the Boeing 737-600. Ultimately, the -600 variant was not a popular model of the 737 due to its economics. The -700, only slightly heavier, had a much greater payload. Additionally, the larger market was moving more towards higher capacity narrow-bodies with lower unit costs and greater revenue opportunities.

The Airbus A340-200 is a long-range, wide-body aircraft, part of the A340 family known for its four-engine configuration. Introduced in 1992, the quadjet was designed to meet the demands of long-haul flights. The A340-200 has a longer wingspan (60.3 meters) than length (59.4 meters). The -200 version of the A340 has typical seating capacity for 250 passengers in a standard layout and a maximum capacity of 420 passengers.

Equipped with four engines that provide 136,000 pounds of thrust (600 kN), the A340-200 is recognized for its ability to cover significant distances, with a range of 6,695 nautical miles (12,400 kilometers). The aircraft's fuel capacity of 155,040 liters (40,957 US gallons) contributes to its long-range capabilities, making it suitable for routes such as transatlantic and transpacific flights. The aircraft's spacious cabin offers comfort for passengers on long-haul journeys, and its four-engine design provides additional reliability over vast oceanic and remote areas.

Competing with models like the Boeing 777-200ER, the A340-200 offered airlines a long-range option with a unique four-engine configuration. Its role in commercial aviation has been defined by its capacity to serve long-distance routes with a medium passenger load, meeting the needs of airlines for intercontinental travel.

The Airbus A340-200 has been operated by airlines such as Lufthansa and Air France, serving as a key component in their long-haul fleets. Only a small number of the -200 remain in service today. Additionally, it turned out that the -300 and -600 versions of the A340 were much more popular.