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By Vincent Valery

Introduction  

Sep. 3^rd, 2020, © Leeham News: Last week, we compared the economics of the A340-300 and the 777-200ER on the Paris to San Francisco route. We now turn our attention to Airbus’ larger long-range aircraft, the A340-600.

Credit: Virgin Atlantic Airways

The 30% larger A340-600 was developed in the last year of the 1990s to compete with Boeing’s 777-300ER, then in development.

Summary

• Offering airlines a full product suite;
• A340-600 launch and development;
• Quad vs. twin-engine long-range operations;
• Disappointing commercial performance;
• A long-haul trunk route.