Airbus SAS
Airbus A340-200
The Airbus A340‑200, introduced by Airbus SAS in the early 1990s, was the shortest variant of the four‑engine A340 family. Its maiden flight occurred on 25 October 1991, and the type entered commercial service with Air France in March 1993. Designed to bridge the gap between the smaller A310 and the longer‑range A340‑300, the A340‑200 could accommodate 260‑280 passengers in a two‑class layout and offered a maximum take‑off weight of roughly 210 t. Its four‑engine configuration, powered by Pratt & Whitney PW4000 or Rolls‑Royce Trent 500 turbofans, provided the long‑range capability needed for intercontinental routes before the widespread adoption of more efficient twin‑engine jets. The aircraft’s 14 800‑kilometre range enabled airlines to operate nonstop flights on thin, long‑haul sectors such as Europe‑South America and Asia‑Middle East. Although production ceased in 2002 after only 105 units, the A340‑200 demonstrated Airbus’s commitment to versatile, ultra‑long‑range designs and paved the way for later wide‑body developments. Its legacy persists in modern aircraft that balance capacity, range, and operational flexibility for global networks.
Classification
Production & History
- First Flight
- 1992
- Service Entry
- 1993