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Boeing 747-400 vs. Airbus A340-600

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747-400

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A340-600

Price (USD)
$187 Million$275 Million
First Flight
19882001
Body Type
Wide-bodyWide-body
Length
70 m232 ft
75 m247 ft
Wingspan
64 m211 ft
63 m208 ft
Wing Area
541 m²5,825 ft²
439 m²4,729 ft²
Fuselage Width
6 m21 ft
5 m18 ft
Height
19 m63 ft
17 m58 ft
Max Takeoff Weight
396,900 kg875,015 lbs
380,000 kg837,757 lbs
Number of Engines
44
Engine Options
Pratt & Whitney PW4000 / General Electric CF6 / Rolls-Royce RB211 Rolls-Royce Trent 500
Max Thrust Per Engine
281 kN63,000 lbf
250 kN56,000 lbf
Max Total Thrust
1,124 kN252,000 lbf
1,000 kN224,000 lbf
Fuel Capacity
216,000 l57,061 gal
204,500 l54,023 gal
Range
13,490 km7,284 nm
14,450 km7,802 nm
Cruise Speed
920 km/h572 mph
890 km/h553 mph
Typical Seating
416 pax370 pax
Max Seating
524 pax475 pax

What Are the Differences Between the Boeing 747-400 and Airbus A340-600

Boeing 747-400 vs Airbus A340-600 Size Comparison

  • At 75.40 meters, the Airbus A340-600 is 4.70 meters longer than the Boeing 747-400.
  • With a wingspan of 64.40 meters, the Boeing 747-400 is 0.90 meters wider from wingtip to wingtip.
  • The Boeing 747-400 and Airbus A340-600 have heights of 19.40 meters and 17.90 meters respectively - making the Boeing 747-400 1.50 meters taller.

Boeing 747-400 vs Airbus A340-600 Range

  • Airbus A340-600’s range of 14,450 kilometers is greater than Boeing 747-400’s range of 13,490 kilometers. Therefore, the Airbus A340-600 can fly nonstop approximately 960 kilometers further.
  • The Boeing 747-400 can hold 57,061 gallons of fuel, which is 3,038 gallons more than the Airbus A340-600’s tank capacity of 54,023 gallons.

Boeing 747-400 vs Airbus A340-600 Seating

  • In a typical seating configuration, the Boeing 747-400 can accommodate 416 passengers, which is about 46 passengers more than Airbus A340-600’s seating capacity.
  • The Boeing 747-400’s max seating capacity is 524 passengers, compared to 475 passengers of the Airbus A340-600.

About the Boeing 747-400

The Boeing 747-400, a major development in the iconic 747 series, debuted in 1988 and quickly became one of the most recognizable aircraft in the world. Known as the "Queen of the Skies," this wide-body airliner redefined long-haul travel with its unparalleled range and capacity.

With a commanding presence, the 747-400 stretches 231.9 feet (70.7 meters) in length and boasts a wingspan of 211.4 feet (64.4 meters). The -400 featured reinvented wingtip extensions and winglets which improved the aircraft's fuel efficiency by 4%. Its distinctive second floor hump and four-engine configuration make it a standout at any airport. The 747-400's design accommodates up to 416 passengers in a typical three-class layout, making it one of the largest passenger airliners at the time of its introduction. The -400 variant was later succeeded by the newer 747-8I.

The 747-400 had three engine options; Pratt & Whitney PW4000s General Electric CF6s, or Rolls-Royce RB211s. Each 747-400 had a thrust of about 56,000 lbf (249.0 kN), summing up to an impressive total of 224,000 lbf (996.0 kN) across the 4 powerplants. This immense power, coupled with a fuel capacity of 57,061 US gallons (216,000 liters), allows the 747-400 to achieve a range of 7,284 nautical miles (13,490 kilometers). This exceptional range capability opened up numerous long-haul and transoceanic routes, reducing the need for stopovers and changing the face of international travel.

In the commercial aviation market, the Boeing 747-400 was a direct competitor to other large aircraft such as the Airbus A340. However, its unique features, like the upper deck and expansive cargo capacity, gave it a special place in the hearts of aviation enthusiasts and professionals alike. The 747-400 was operated by airlines such as British Airways, Qantas, Lufthansa, United Airlines, and Air France. These were among many other operators that used the 747-400 for their flagship international routes. Its spacious cabin and long-range abilities made it ideal for high-profile and high-density routes, offering passengers a unique and comfortable flying experience.

The Boeing 747-400's legacy goes beyond its impressive technical specifications. It symbolizes a significant era in aviation history, where the pursuit of connecting distant parts of the world became a reality. The aircraft's production, which spanned over two decades, is a testament to its enduring appeal and the pivotal role it played in shaping modern air travel. Today, while newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft have started to replace the 747-400, its iconic status and contribution to the airline industry continue to be celebrated. The Boeing 747-400 remains an enduring symbol of the romance and grandeur of flying, representing a bygone era of luxury, scale, and ambition in aviation. Lufthansa, Air China, and Asiana Airlines are some of the last airlines to hold onto their last 747-400s.

About the Airbus A340-600

The Airbus A340-600 is a significant model within the Airbus family, known for its sheer size and quadjet design. As one of the longest passenger aircraft at the time of its introduction, the A340-600 was designed by Airbus to serve long-haul routes, responding to the airline industry's demand for extended range and high-capacity aircraft.

The -600 variant was launched in 2001, and was substantially bigger than other jets in the A340 family. Spanning 247.2 feet (75.4 meters) in length with a wingspan of 208.2 feet (63.5 meters), the A340-600 is distinguishable for its considerable size. The aircraft's design supports a passenger capacity of up to 370 in a standard three-class configuration. The size and design of the A340-600 cater to airlines' needs for higher passenger volumes on long-distance routes. Equipped with four engines, the A340-600 offers a substantial range, making it well-suited for long-haul operations. The aircraft's fuel capacity and engine efficiency contribute to its ability to cover significant distances, facilitating non-stop intercontinental flights. The A340-600's operational capabilities have been a key factor in its selection by airlines for long-range routes.

The A340-600 competes with aircraft like the Boeing 777-300ER in the long-haul, high-capacity market. Its introduction into the aviation market was part of Airbus's strategy to offer diverse aircraft options to airlines, giving an alternative to other long-range models. The A340-600 was even seen as a potential replacement to the Boeing 747-400, as it provided 25% more cargo volume and lower costs per seat. Airlines that have operated the A340-600 include Lufthansa, Virgin Atlantic, Iberia, and South African Airways. Despite the phasing out of production, the Airbus A340-600 remains notable in the history of commercial aviation for its role in long-haul travel. Its development and operational history reflect Airbus's response to the market's evolving needs, showcasing the manufacturer's commitment to addressing the demands of airlines for larger, long-range aircraft.

In retrospect, the Airbus A340-600 represents a specific period in aviation history, where the emphasis on range and passenger capacity led to the development of one of the longest aircraft in commercial service. Its legacy in the industry underscores the continuous evolution of aircraft design and technology to meet the changing demands of global air travel.

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Values shown may not be 100% accurate, as some metrics are averages or only represent certain production years and configurations. Engine specs are based on the best options available.

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