Boeing 767-400ER vs. Airbus A340-200

The Boeing 767-400ER is an advanced, wide-body aircraft developed by Boeing as part of the evolution of the 767. Introduced at the beginning of the 21st century, this variant is an extension of the popular 767 family, designed to address the increasing demands of the airline industry for higher capacity and extended range.

As a later addition to the 767 series, the -400ER variant built upon the established reputation of its predecessors by offering enhancements in both size and performance. The development and subsequent introduction of this model into the commercial market were part of Boeing's strategic response to the competitive dynamics of the aviation industry. The 767-400ER's production started in the late 1990s, with the aim of providing airlines with an aircraft that combined operational efficiency with increased passenger capacity.

The aircraft measures 61.4 meters (201.3 feet) in length, featuring an extended fuselage to accommodate more passengers. The wingspan of the 767-400ER is 51.9 meters (170.3 feet), and it has a wing area of 290.7 square meters (3129.1 square feet). These dimensions contribute to the aircraft's aerodynamic efficiency, particularly important for long-distance travel. Equipped with a choice of General Electric CF6 or Pratt & Whitney 4000 series engines, the 767-400ER offers robust performance with a total maximum thrust of 540.0 kN (121,200 lbf). This thrust capacity, combined with a fuel storage of 90,700 liters (23,960 US gallons), enables the aircraft to cover a range of about 10,400 kilometers (5,616 nautical miles), making it well-suited for extended-range operations.

In terms of passenger capacity, the typical layout of the 767-400ER seats up to 296 passengers, with a maximum capacity of 375 passengers in a high-density configuration. The cabin is generally arranged in a dual-class setup, featuring a standard 7 abreast, 2-3-2 seat arrangement in economy class.

Competing with the Airbus A330-200, the 767-400ER was introduced to provide airlines with a modernized option of the 767, balancing the familiar operational characteristics of its predecessors with the needs of contemporary long-haul travel. Notable airlines of the Boeing 767-400ER include Continental (United Airlines) and Delta Air Lines. The aircraft's combination of extended fuselage, increased passenger capacity, and range efficiency mark it as a significant evolution within the 767 family, catering to the specific requirements of modern commercial aviation. Only 37 units of the -400ER were ever produced.

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.