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Airbus A310 vs. Airbus A340-300

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A310

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A340-300

Price (USD)
$60 Million$110 Million
First Flight
19821991
Body Type
Wide-bodyWide-body
Length
46 m152 ft
63 m209 ft
Wingspan
43 m144 ft
60 m197 ft
Wing Area
219 m²2,357 ft²
361 m²3,892 ft²
Fuselage Width
5 m18 ft
5 m18 ft
Height
15 m51 ft
17 m55 ft
Max Takeoff Weight
157,000 kg346,126 lbs
276,500 kg609,578 lbs
Number of Engines
24
Engine Options
General Electric CF6 / Pratt & Whitney PW4000CFMI CFM56
Max Thrust Per Engine
262 kN59,000 lbf
150 kN34,000 lbf
Max Total Thrust
524 kN118,000 lbf
600 kN136,000 lbf
Fuel Capacity
61,070 l16,133 gal
147,850 l39,058 gal
Range
8,050 km4,347 nm
13,500 km7,289 nm
Cruise Speed
850 km/h528 mph
870 km/h541 mph
Typical Seating
220 pax300 pax
Max Seating
230 pax440 pax

What Are the Differences Between the Airbus A310 and Airbus A340-300

Airbus A310 vs Airbus A340-300 Size Comparison

  • At 63.70 meters, the Airbus A340-300 is 17.10 meters longer than the Airbus A310.
  • With a wingspan of 60.30 meters, the Airbus A340-300 is 16.40 meters wider from wingtip to wingtip.
  • The Airbus A310 and Airbus A340-300 have heights of 15.80 meters and 17 meters respectively - making the Airbus A340-300 1.20 meters taller.

Airbus A310 vs Airbus A340-300 Range

  • Airbus A340-300’s range of 13,500 kilometers is greater than Airbus A310’s range of 8,050 kilometers. Therefore, the Airbus A340-300 can fly nonstop approximately 5,450 kilometers further.
  • The Airbus A340-300 can hold 39,058 gallons of fuel, which is 22,925 gallons more than the Airbus A310’s tank capacity of 16,133 gallons.

Airbus A310 vs Airbus A340-300 Seating

  • In a typical seating configuration, the Airbus A340-300 can accommodate 300 passengers, which is about 80 passengers more than Airbus A310’s seating capacity.
  • The Airbus A340-300’s max seating capacity is 440 passengers, compared to 230 passengers of the Airbus A310.

About the Airbus A310

The Airbus A310 is a wide-body, twin-engine jetliner developed by Airbus in the early 1980s as a smaller variant of the A300, its first airliner. The A310 was designed to meet the demands of airlines for a smaller, more efficient aircraft for medium to long-haul routes. This development marked Airbus's expansion in the wide-body aircraft market, offering a versatile option for various airline operations.

With a length of 153 feet (46.7 meters) and a wingspan of 144 feet (43.9 meters), the A310 is notably smaller than the A300, making it suitable for routes with lower passenger demand. The aircraft typically accommodates around 220 passengers in a standard three-class configuration, though it can be configured to carry more in a high-density layout. This flexibility in seating allows airlines to optimize the A310 for both high passenger volume short-haul flights and longer, less densely populated routes.

The A310's design incorporates significant advancements over the A300, including a shortened fuselage and redesigned wing, which contribute to its improved aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. It is equipped with either General Electric CF6-80 or Pratt & Whitney JT9D engines, providing a balance of power and efficiency. The A310 has a maximum takeoff weight of approximately 336,000 lbs and a range of up to 4,350 nautical miles, depending on the variant and configuration. Inside, the A310 offers a comfortable passenger experience with a spacious cabin and advanced features for its time, such as an optional two-crew glass cockpit. This innovative cockpit design reduced the flight crew requirement from three to two, a significant shift in commercial aviation operations.

The Airbus A310 was well-received in the commercial aviation market, with orders from several airlines worldwide. Notable operators included Lufthansa, Air France, and KLM, among others. These airlines utilized the A310 for its intended purpose, taking advantage of its capacity and range for diverse route networks. The A310's production and service history reflect its role in the evolution of Airbus's wide-body offerings. It bridged the gap between the larger A300 and the later A330 and A340 models, demonstrating Airbus's capability to adapt to market needs. The A310 was instrumental in establishing Airbus as a major competitor in the wide-body aircraft segment.

Though production of the A310 has ceased, its legacy continues in the aviation industry. The aircraft is remembered for its contributions to the development of wide-body jets, particularly in terms of efficiency, versatility, and technological advancements in aircraft design.

About the Airbus A340-300

Launched in 1991, the Airbus A340-300 is a long-range, wide-body jetliner and a member of the Airbus A340 family. This aircraft, with its four-engine setup, was designed for extended range operations, particularly on routes where twin-engine operation was not feasible.

The A340-300 extends 209 feet (63.7 meters) in length and has a wingspan of 197.8 feet (60.3 meters). It offers a typical seating arrangement for 300 passengers in a standard layout, and up to 440 passengers in a higher-density configuration. The aircraft's cabin is designed for passenger comfort, featuring a quiet and spacious environment ideal for long-haul flights. Powered by four engines, each providing a thrust of 34,000 lbf (600 kN), the A340-300 has a range of 7,289 nautical miles (13,500 kilometers) and a fuel capacity of 147,850 liters (39,058 US gallons). These specifications make the A340-300 well-suited for routes such as transatlantic and transpacific flights, where its range and capacity are advantageous.

The A340-300 competes with aircraft like the Boeing 777-300ER, offering airlines an alternative for long-haul operations. It has been favored by carriers for its reliability and ability to serve long distances without the need for a stopover. Airlines such as Lufthansa, Air France, and Cathay Pacific have utilized the Airbus A340-300 in their fleets, capitalizing on its ability to efficiently handle long-range routes with significant passenger loads.

The Airbus A340-300's introduction to the market was a response to airline requirements for a high-capacity, long-range aircraft. Its operational role has been shaped by its unique four-engine configuration and ability to connect distant city pairs with a medium to high passenger capacity.

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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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