A340-500

Comfort and range

The A340-500 combines performance, comfort nd capacity for highly efficient ultra long-haul operations.  In a two-class cabin arrangement, this version of Airbus’ four-engine A340 Family seats 282 passengers, and its cabin flexibility enables seat pitch to be adapted in units of one inch – while galleys, lavatories and stowage can
 be located in different numbers, groupings and locations.

With a range of up to 9,000 nautical miles, the A340-500 can operate some of the world’s longest non-stop routes, including direct Singapore-New York flights with durations of nearly 19 hours.

The mid-sized A340

As a jetliner in the A340 product line, it joins the A340-200, A340-300 and A340-600 in fully benefitting from Airbus commonality. All four aircraft can be flown with the same type rating, while the cross-crew qualification concept means pilots can more rapidly qualify for another aircraft type within the Airbus flyby-wire product line, leading to significant cost savings.

Airbus keeps the A340-500 and the other members of its A340 Family updated to meet market requirements and the evolution of technology.  This includes state-of-the-art cabin features for passengers, along with advanced navigation aids and new capabilities such as the electronic flight bag for pilots.

 

Cross-section efficiency

Advanced navigation technology developed for the A320 Family is available on the A319.  The use of RNP-AR (Required Navigation Precision – Authorisation Required) procedures combined with RTA (Required Time of Arrival) operations eliminates the need for holds during a flight, and enables a continuous descent approach.  The net benefits are lower noise and reduced fuel burn, as less engine thrust is required.

The A319 shares the same fly-by-wire flight controls and state-of-the-art cockpit as the other A320 Family members, profiting from the unique benefits of Airbus operational commonality.  All of these aircraft – the A318, A319, A320 and A321 – share the same pilot type rating.  With only minimal additional training, A320 Family-rated pilots can quickly transition to Airbus’ widebody jetliners.

 

Performance improvements

The A340’s optimised 222-inch fuselage cross-section gives airlines the cabin versatility to match market requirements, from ultra high-comfort premium seating to economy class layouts in seven-, eight- and nine-abreast layouts.  Below the main deck, the A340-500’s large

cargo holds accepts a full range of freight, including industry-standard LD3 containers in side-by-side loading.  The A340-500’s forward hold accommodates 18 LD3s or six 96-inch pallets, while the aft hold takes 12 LD3s or four 96-inch pallets.

Non-stop innovation

Airbus keeps the A340-300 and the other members of its A340 Family updated to meet market requirements and the evolution of technology.  This includes state-of-the-art cabin features for passengers, along with advanced navigation aids and new capabilities such as the electronic flight bag for pilots.