Aircraft Asset Assessment: A340-300

Market Presence. The A340-300 has previously provided operators with considerable operating flexibility. The four-engine configuration, combined with long haul capability, opened up a number of routes unable to support either the larger B777-300ER or the ETOPs constrained twin engined B777-200ER. The –300 has CFM56-5 engines while the new A340-500 and –600 feature Rolls-Royce powerplants. This change in engine manufacturer created problems when seeking to promote the benefits of family commonality. The competition to the A340-300 is clearly the B777-200ER which has been the victor securing twice as many orders. Offering similar range capability but slightly higher seating capacity, the economics of the B777 have been difficult to match. However, four engines, a different fuselage diameter, and family ties have been sufficient to generate more than 200 orders.