Airbus A340-213

The Airbus A340‑213 is the longest‑range variant of the A340 family, produced by Airbus SAS between 1994 and 2012. First delivered to Swiss International Air Lines in 1997, the model quickly became a favorite for long‑haul routes because it combines four high‑by‑pass turbofan engines with a spacious 311‑seat, three‑class cabin configuration. Powered by four Rolls‑Royce Trent 500 engines, the A340‑213 cruises at Mach 0.82, covers up to 13 450 km (7,260 nm) without payload restrictions, and features a reinforced wing with a 60‑meter span and advanced fly‑by‑wire controls. Its design emphasizes redundancy and reliability; the four‑engine layout allows continued flight even after an engine failure, a key safety advantage for trans‑oceanic operations before ETOPS extensions became common for twin‑jets. Over 160 units were built, serving airlines such as Air France, Lufthansa, and Emirates, and the type helped Airbus cement its presence in the wide‑body market against Boeing’s 777 and 747. Although later eclipsed by more fuel‑efficient twin‑engine aircraft, the A340‑213 remains significant as a bridge between early generation wide‑bodies and modern, long‑range jets, showcasing Airbus’s commitment to innovative aerodynamics and passenger comfort.