Airbus A340-312

The Airbus A340‑312, a variant of the long‑range A340 family, entered service in 1994 after its first flight on 25 October 1991. Developed by Airbus SAS to address the growing demand for high‑capacity, ultra‑long‑haul routes, the 312 model featured a stretched fuselage that could accommodate up to 295 passengers in a typical two‑class layout, while retaining the four‑engine configuration that gave the aircraft superior performance on routes with limited diversion airports. Powered by four CFM56‑5C turbofans, the A340‑312 offered a maximum range of roughly 7,400 nautical miles, enabling nonstop flights between continents such as Europe‑Asia, Europe‑North America and Africa‑Australia. Its wing design incorporated a high‑lift, supercritical airfoil and advanced fly‑by‑wire controls, providing smooth handling and fuel efficiency for its era. The aircraft played a pivotal role in the 1990s and early 2000s, allowing airlines to expand global networks without relying on extensive hub‑and‑spoke infrastructure. Although later eclipsed by twin‑engine competitors like the Boeing 777 and Airbus A350, the A340‑312 remains a symbol of Airbus’s ambition to offer versatile, long‑range solutions and contributed significantly to the evolution of modern international air travel.