The Rise & Fall Of The Airbus A340

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3 жыл бұрын

The A340 was a significant development at the time of its launch, marking Airbus' entry into the quad jet market and providing healthy competition for its rivals.
Production of the jet ended in 2011, but it remains in service with several airlines. Let’s take a look through the history and development of the A340 and how it eventually fell out of favor with airlines…
Article link: simpleflying.com/airbus-a340/
Video source links:
A340 Lufthansa Star Alliance • Emergency Landing! Luf...
747 Historical Boeing • The 'Incredible' Story...
A340 Virgin Atlantic • Virgin Atlantic Airway...
A340 Virgin Atlantic • Super Close Smokey Lan...
A340 Virgin Atlantic • Virgin Atlantic A340 S...
A340-300 Air China • Air China B-2389 Airbu...
A340-300 Edelweiss • AMAZING Edelweiss A340...
Airbus historical first flights • Airbus historical firs...
A300 historical doc • A300 Birth of a Saga E...
A300 Historical Doc • A300 Birth of a Saga E...
A340-300 Philippine Airlines • Philippine Airlines A3...
a320 US airways • US Airways N644AW A320...
a330 Aerolineas argentina • Despega un nuevo año
A330-300 KLM • KLM A330-300 [PH-AKB] ...
A330 Aer Lingus Cargo • Critical Supply Operat...
A330-200 Hawaiian • Hawaiian Airlines N381...
A330 Air China • Air China A330-300 I P...
767-400 Boeing • Boeing 767-400 Promoti...
777 Air Canada • Air Canada 777-300ER [...
A350 SAS • Outside view of our ne...
A350 Thai • Airbus A350-941 Thai A...
777 ANA • ANA JA717A 777-200ER L...
Photos:
Blank/White aircraft graphics acquired from www.shopnorebbo.com/search?q=...
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Пікірлер: 865

@albertabound5124 3 жыл бұрын

29 years, 10s of millions of flights, not a single fatal accident. An incredible safety record.

@CicaeMeow 3 жыл бұрын

Airbus is being Airbus💪

@albertabound5124 3 жыл бұрын

The record of A319 is even more amazing. Been flying for 25 years, has 3 times the amount of A340s built (1500 built), and flies much more flights, some of them into the world’s most dangerous airports, and has never had a fatality. Great looking, too!

@Seventh7Art 3 жыл бұрын

The A380 also has zero fatalities in accidents... Unlike the B747 and its 4000 plus fatalities.

@beagle7622 3 жыл бұрын

ΓΕΩΡΓΙΟΣ QF32 at Signapore in Oct 2010 was about as close as anybody would like to get though. After the engine blew it was a great crew, fantastic Airmanship, luck , & an great aeroplane that stopped it being a total catastrophe.

@aurktman1106 3 жыл бұрын

ΓΕΩΡΓΙΟΣ the 747 has been in service for 50 years, over 1,550 build and flown. The A380 has been in service for 13 years with 242 built. Give it time, statistically there will be an A380 crash if they are in service long enough. I doubt they will, with cargo versions uneconomically feasible you will see many retire quickly over the next 15 years. Look at the Boeing 777, operated for 25 years before a hull loss. The only fatalities on the 777 that were not due to aircraft issues (MH17 shot down, MH 370 unknown, but more than likely not an aircraft issue but nefarious intervention) are the victims from the Asiana 214 flight that landed short at SFO, and that was a pilot issue. It could be argued that not a single fatality can be attributed to the Boeing 777 itself.

@pedramPN 3 жыл бұрын

The A340-600 is one of the sexiest looking aircraft ever, 4 engine aircrafts are just beautiful

@sergiolaurencio7534 2 жыл бұрын

And the 747 and 380 are no exceptions. I don't remember now, but the 707 was the first aircraft with a turbine engine with 4 on it. So sad it disappear

@Luton-Mick 2 жыл бұрын

@@sergiolaurencio7534 The de Havilland Comet was not only the first jet liner but also sported four jet engines...the 707 was the better and safer US answer to it.

@sergiolaurencio7534 2 жыл бұрын

@@Luton-Mick So sad the 707 life was too short

@ag6371 2 жыл бұрын

The 777-200ER had hull losses. The 777-300ER did not crash at all

@abidmohammad9093 2 жыл бұрын

Ah yes the pencil

@zulfiqaralikhurrum6911 3 жыл бұрын

Simpleflying teaches me the following subjects -English -History -Geography -Physics, sciences -General Knowledge That's a school I'd love to attend

@ADB-_ 3 жыл бұрын

Well said Ali Khurrum

@CaptainInkman 3 жыл бұрын

I agree to you

@itsnaveenn 3 жыл бұрын

True

@prithulprasad8536 3 жыл бұрын

Nd future also 😂😂

@ianwong8056 3 жыл бұрын

Sameee

@snoozeCTRL 3 жыл бұрын

The A340 will always be one of my favs. The smoothest landing and flight I’ve ever experienced was on board an A340. I’ve flown on all of Boeing’s 700 series aircraft and the MD11 and the airbus still stands out.

@dave8599 3 жыл бұрын

how about an L1011 or BAC 111? I flown them, also...707, 737, 747, dc-9, dc-10 , several small Cessna, Trislander, and a B-17G. Never an airbus.

@sergiolaurencio7534 2 жыл бұрын

Ok, So you have permission to fly Airbus. I haven't flown on any big plane yet, But I am planing. And the 787 would be my first one. I love both Boeing and Airbus. Just only with one thing

@Luton-Mick 2 жыл бұрын

Try the A380 if you want refinement, I flew to Bangkok with Thai on one and returned on a 777-300er, made the Boeing feel like a crop duster.

@sergiolaurencio7534 2 жыл бұрын

@@Luton-Mick The A380 is the most comfortable plane on the world. But not that most comfortable to nature. People don't understand how bad we are damaged the earth and time is running out

@sergiolaurencio7534 2 жыл бұрын

That why No came with the 787

@albomaa 3 жыл бұрын

I flew once in an Iberia A340-600 from New York to Madrid and has been one of the best long haul flights I have ever had

@Lee247Jamaica 3 жыл бұрын

Sadly Iberia is retiring the a340-600 and LUFTHANSA is doing so 😥😭😫

@michaelmoheb557 3 жыл бұрын

@@Lee247Jamaica 🙃😒🧐😬🧐😣🙂😜😙😣😉😣🙄😧😩😕😞😳😵😓😵😦😵😖😫😓🤕😨😳😲🤨😝😚😝😚😒😣😟🤫😕🤫🤨🙃😔😜🙃- You

@CinemaDemocratica 3 жыл бұрын

I took a Luftansa 340 from Frankfurt to Boston and was duly impressed -- though the 777 is still my first choice for trans-oceanic flying as an economy PAX.

@EpicThe112 3 жыл бұрын

Wow. A340-600 longest flight is JFK-HKG in 2004-2007. Did that on December 17th 2005.

@breadboi1248 3 жыл бұрын

Dam you flew on the flying pencial

@ThePowerofJames 3 жыл бұрын

I always find the dash 600 version looks photoshopped because it is so long

@oisnowy5368 3 жыл бұрын

I'm sure they used a more expensive computer (aided design) program to copy+paste in the additional meters.

@theskyline1425 3 жыл бұрын

Seems I'm not the only one who thinks so

@Lee247Jamaica 3 жыл бұрын

Have u seen the 757 300 or 777x and 777 300/ER

@theskyline1425 3 жыл бұрын

@@Lee247Jamaica the 777x doesn't seem that long because its wide

@mytech6779 3 жыл бұрын

@@Lee247Jamaica 757-300 aka the flying pencil.

@rushfan3 3 жыл бұрын

I remember flying in the A340. This was back in September 2004 when my dad and I were on our way to the Philippines for my brother's wedding. At the time Singapore Airlines was offering a non-stop flight from Newark Airport to Changi Airport using the A340. They only carried 120 passengers in a two class layout(Raffles (business class), and Executive Economy). The flight took 18 1/2 hrs. They flew with 2 complete flight crews that worked in 8hr shifts. Service on that flight was 2nd only to Lufthansa. At the time that was the longest flight. Seating in executive economy was a 2 - 3 - 2 configuration with a large galley space at the rear where they'd layout snacks and sandwiches available between meal service. Some day I'd like to fly that route again in the A350 - 900ULR.

@mikemontgomery2654 3 жыл бұрын

Jesus! 18.5 hrs! That’d be a bit much for me.

@grdprojekt 3 жыл бұрын

18,5 hours... I thought you have a typo but then "Newark to Changi", darn.

@rushfan3 3 жыл бұрын

@@grdprojekt now Singapore Airlines has revived the flight using the Airbus A350 XWB. Would love to see how the A350 stacks up to the A340.

@grdprojekt 3 жыл бұрын

@@rushfan3 that's right, of course, I almost completely forgot about the new SQ21/22

@planesandgolfgolfandplanes32 3 жыл бұрын

I took that same flight a half dozen times. Sometimes we went straight over the North Pole. Other times we went straight east. Was definitely an interesting flight. No desire to do it again however. Too long to be in the air.

@jimatkins3787 3 жыл бұрын

Never got to fly on one. The most graceful airplane I have ever seen. I miss them terribly at LAX and SAN.

@largol33t1 2 жыл бұрын

I can't really sleep on planes which is why I hate overnight flights and avoid them like the plague. The only time I slept on a plane was on Iberia from Barcelona to Chicago - on an A340. It was that smooth.

@martinchamberlain542 2 жыл бұрын

In my humble opinion, the A340 was one of the most elegant and beautiful airliners ever built.

@randomswift1e 9 ай бұрын

Yes indeed, It’s Sad that it is so underrated

@BelaJuTe 3 жыл бұрын

My first flight ever was on a SAA A340-600 from Frankfurt to Johannesburg. The A346 became my favorite plane

@matsv201 3 жыл бұрын

That was my first flight in a wide body jet, that same route. A 747-200

@Bellakelpie 3 жыл бұрын

No mention of the 5 specially modified (for extended range) A340-500’s that Singapore Airlines used on its SIN- EWR and SIN-LAX non stop routes. Regs were 9V-SGA thru to SGE. The former was typically an 18+ hour flight in both directions and the latter was around 14 hours outbound and 18+ hours inbound, with operating altitudes between 38,000 and 41,000 feet. I flew on both, (Premium economy.) Despite the horrific sound of 18 hours , they were actually very comfortable flights. The seats were very comfortable with good leg room, especially if you had a seat next to one of the emergency exit doors. Passengers were encouraged to get up and move around the cabin and use the “ Mini-Bar” for drinks and snacks. There was always a great selection of fruit and muffins there (self serve) and a friendly crew member to get you a drink....or give you a free lesson in Mandarin.

@visionist7 3 жыл бұрын

I wish I could have flown the EWR - SIN route. I guess I could still get the chance on the A350

@Bellakelpie 3 жыл бұрын

@@visionist7 Singapore Airlines recommenced flying that route with the A350 just before the Covid situation hit the planet. They did suspend it as a consequence, but I am sure it will be restarted in the near future. So your wish may become opportunity within a couple of years.

@ClockworksOfGL 2 жыл бұрын

I took a similar flight several times, NYC (Newark, IIRC) to Bangkok. It’s a long flight - 16 hours or so - but you’re always moving. I prefer to go directly to Asia rather than stopover in Europe. Asian airports, in my opinion, are much much nicer. The Middle East is also a viable stopover spot, Qatar flies A350s and 777s out of JFK nowadays, and the Doha airport is impeccable. These long range flights have made international travel much more pleasant. I sometimes wondered by Airbus didn’t just reengineer the A340 to be a twin once the large GE90-style turbofans became available. I suppose that’s easier said than done.

@jamesjames3525 3 жыл бұрын

Anything that gives passengers the human feeling of comfort, has to go, and be replaced by something smaller and more uncomfortable. Sardine can class is now the new King of air travel.

@denniszitadavid4340 2 жыл бұрын

I know right

@StephenKarl_Integral 2 жыл бұрын

Comfort has a price. The actual problem lies on living standards rather than cutting costs. People are educated to look alike instead of becoming richer (legally). If your life model is to go to school, get some graduation, find a job, save money then die, you are the problem : you're poor. Instead, you should find what you're good at, fight to make what you like to do profitable in a substantial way, then *spend* your money. Every good thing that comes to an end is due to people becoming poorer and poorer. Supersonic flights ? Vacations ? Do something costy because it's a chidhood dream ? You can, but only if early enough you realized you actually could, then took decisions in your life to support it, financially. There is no government plan that can help you be wealthier. Now you know, but let's take a moment, and suppose you've achieved that step, you''re rich now, you can afford 5 first class seats in a supersonic jet for your family for a New York-Singapore trip... you're the only one able to do so. There is no other custommer willing to pay 30000$. So, me as the airline, I won't buy that supersonic wonderful top notch comfort Airbus jet to please you. I'll buy that A350 high density plane *because* the other passengers are *poor* and can only afford the 1000$ round JFK-SIN trip. The problem is not me/the airline, it's not the rich, it's the *poor lambda people that are all lookalike and satisfied with their conditions.*

@pjotrtje0NL 2 жыл бұрын

It’s all because no-one (except a few) wants to pay more than necessary. Hence, everything costing more than needed has to go…

@MrRea112 3 жыл бұрын

The A340 was a perfect plane to fly - smooth, safe thus giving passengers comfort and the safety reassurance of 4 engines. It’s a crying shame they were discontinued, replaced by twin engined noddy jets.

@sergiolaurencio7534 2 жыл бұрын

Not a machine is safe, and error could happen at any moment. And the 340 have some accidents.

@sergiolaurencio7534 2 жыл бұрын

The man could not do anything perfectly. But yes, the 340 is good

@markaurelius61 2 жыл бұрын

The A350 is much more efficient, is selling like hot cakes, has no exact rivals and so far has had no accidents.

@markaurelius61 2 жыл бұрын

@TigerG It's a bit bigger than the 787, but I guess for some routes the overlap of size would work

@scottyd035ntknow 2 жыл бұрын

@TigerG and the 777 depending on the route. A350 is right between both.

@the_m18hellkitty91 3 жыл бұрын

It’s probably the most unique airplane ever It reminds me of the 707 for some Reason

@sergiolaurencio7534 2 жыл бұрын

The 340 was and Ideas that airbus copy from the 707. We don't surprise me, also MD did it to. So the 707 was the first one to find the tresure.

@petrumsk3753 2 жыл бұрын

@@sergiolaurencio7534 Wasnt the a340 made to compete with the B 767?

@faizierazali3494 2 жыл бұрын

@@petrumsk3753 the real competitor for a340 is b777

@datamasked623 3 жыл бұрын

A340-600 was, by far, one of, if not THE quietest jet I’ve ever traveled on.

@brocanova 3 жыл бұрын

Data Masked Try the A380 - as long as it’s still around.

@datamasked623 3 жыл бұрын

@@brocanova Been on one also.

@ioannischa1637 3 жыл бұрын

No wonder, if you sit in the first rows you are literelly 420 Meters away from the Engines :D

@eun5oo280 3 жыл бұрын

I’ve heard that the BAe-146 was very quiet too. I wish to see it some day.

@aarondynamics1311 3 жыл бұрын

@@brocanova The A350 is just as quiet as the A380. It will be around for many years.

@NaumaanM 3 жыл бұрын

Regular flyer on the A343 however, I once flew the A350, B777 and return leg B777, A343 in less than 3 days. The A340-300 is by far the most comfortable aircraft in terms of flight dynamics and quiteness. B777 and to a much lesser extent the A350 has this constant humming from those massive engines which the A343 (4 × small CFM56 engines) doesnt suffer from. Add to that a very loud sound of the cabin airconditioning on the 777, I still feel that the A340-300 remains a gem in terms of long haul comfort

@robandcheryls Жыл бұрын

I flew in the A340 in the early 2006 and I loved it. 🇨🇦

@itsjonathanku6074 3 жыл бұрын

Still my favourite aircraft to spot. So interesting to look at and it is absolutely beautiful.

@thomaswacker8515 3 жыл бұрын

I once had a long haul flight with a LH A340-600 from Francfort to Seoul in business class. Until then this was my most comfortable flight ever, only topped by several flights in an A380 business class a couple of years later.

@Vilberg 3 жыл бұрын

My first A340 flight was Copenhagen - Tokyo Narita with SAS, interior was showing age with resistive touchscreens but the outdoor cameras were a novel feature to me then, had a great return trip on the type

@raymondgonzales5877 3 жыл бұрын

I flew aboard Philippine Airlines Airbus A340-300 from Manila to Singapore. Best plane so far. Loved the experience.

@Aidankiwi 3 жыл бұрын

Sorry Raymond but the PR A340-300s were a heap of crap. Flew in one from Sydney to Manila once - never again!

@airzulu2733 3 жыл бұрын

I did a flight from paris to cape town on a Air France 340-300 amazing aircraft . Sadly missed by many .

@limajuliett3406 3 жыл бұрын

One thing to add: Aircraft certification relies heavily on its one engine out take off performance (1 engine failure during take off). A twin engine jet will in this case lose 50% of thrust while a quad engine aircraft will only lose 25%. That's the reason for the A340 having a much higher max takeiff weight compared to an a330 despite having the same fuselage and almost the same amount of lbs of thrust

@alderlake12th 11 ай бұрын

Even much than B777-300er

@ricellisfrost620 Ай бұрын

Thank you for this video. Ironically, I heard a pilot say on KZfaq that the economy of the A340-300's smaller engines outways the expense of maintaining 4 engines

@shmeckle666 3 жыл бұрын

One of my favorite jets, just a great looking quadie.

@krasimiryachev915 3 жыл бұрын

I love A340. The best aircraft I've ever experienced. Beautiful. Comfortable to fly on. Perfect safety record! It's not a failure, it's a great success for what was needed at the time...Sadly nowadays Aviation is not about the best and most reliable, it's about the cheapest and most efficient! So A340 it's not there! Goodbye A340, you will probably remain my most loved Aircraft ever!

@keksentdecker 3 жыл бұрын

"the long boi"

@trazkey 3 жыл бұрын

Or also "The flying pencil"

@aviationlba747 3 жыл бұрын

@@trazkey No, I’m afraid that would be the 757-300.

@dennischeckley1125 3 жыл бұрын

Beautiful aircraft, flew Madrid - London (Iberia) in business class, quiet, well looked after by cabin crew, felt like a king !

@garymckee4342 3 жыл бұрын

Out of many, many types of aircraft I’ve flown on since 1959, the A340 really was my favourite. When boarding and when you looked down the aisles, it always gave a good feeling and just felt comfortable. Carriers like Air Canada and Cathay Pacific used them extensively between North America and Asia and you were able rested

@Flornmonk 3 жыл бұрын

I love the A340! I've crossed the atlantic 15+ times in one.

@Bruce-yv9tm 3 жыл бұрын

I've been lucky enough to fly the 340-300, 500 and, most recently just before the pandemic, the 600. From the inside there isn't much of a difference (aside from the downstairs bathrooms on Lufthansa) but the aircraft is so elegant and beautiful from the outside.

@gilbertfranklin1537 3 жыл бұрын

OK, I'm hooked - new subscriber. I especially like the clarity of your voice, and the depth of the content... excellent!

@NicolaW72 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much for this very well researched and very informative video!

@carlschneider689 3 жыл бұрын

Love the A340. Flew on Lufthansa's Frankfurt-Baku route several times. Always smooth.

@no_bull 3 жыл бұрын

I used to fly Athens to Melbourne with Olympic airways A340-313. Best looking aircraft I enjoyed looking at it and traveling every time. Still miss it. It was something special.

@karlossargeant3872 3 жыл бұрын

I Love this History on The A340 Plus I've seen them more than once during travelling.

@LotusFlyer 3 жыл бұрын

I watch this video everyday and cry

@handy335 3 жыл бұрын

Very informative. Well done. Thank you!

@oceanlnr9414 2 жыл бұрын

The A340-600 is the most beautiful jetliner ever built

@YearZer0777 3 жыл бұрын

Ive been in love with the A340-600 since i was a kid and got fly on an South African Airways A340-600 🙂

@ianrobertsonpiano 2 жыл бұрын

Smoothest flight, safest aircraft, and by far one of the most aesthetically pleasing. The A340 is a masterpiece and deserves more time in the skies.

@project_calais4977 3 жыл бұрын

I recall first flying on an A340 with Aerolineas Argentinas back in 2011 and 2012 when I flew from Sydney to Buenos Aires and back. I was awestruck by the long silhouette of the plane and loved the quad engine design. It became my second most favourite airplane, after the Queen of the Skies of course.

@Tobias94b 2 жыл бұрын

Since I've been flying an A340-600 from Frankfurt to Cape Town, it is my absolut favorite plane. We were seated really far back, but boarded really close to the cockpit. I've never walked through this many compartments, and that far through an airplane. That absolutely blew me away. And the nice inflight entertainment system, with cameras from the aircraft, lots of movies, and Cave Man 🤩👌

@juliankovacs3462 3 жыл бұрын

I remember flying Virgin Atlantic's a340 back in 2008. It was a very fun flight! Sad to see the A340 being retired.

@indranilchakrabarty4196 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent research. Well done!!! Simple Flying. The 340 was fantastic. Sad to see it go. Safi Air of Afghanistan use it due to flights over rough terrains. Great plane.

@pwm0021 3 жыл бұрын

I enjoyed flying in the A340, and for me, the added comfort of 4 Engines as opposed to two used to put me at ease. The A340 has had a bulletproof safety record. I miss that about it.

@atakorkut5110 3 жыл бұрын

There we go this channel has longer videos the type I like I recently commented that I was upset about the constantly seemingly repeating cycle of videos but the long haul has me hooked

@katraj0102 2 жыл бұрын

Taking an A340-600 was one of the best flights I ever had, I loved how I had to go downstairs for the bathroom as it allowed me to stretch my legs, making me more relaxed.

@ajherbert2509 3 жыл бұрын

I flew in a Lufthansa A340-600 from Caracas to Frankfurt and back, the plane was amazing with the lavatories downstairs, one of my favorites types

@stephenjones9246 3 жыл бұрын

The -500 variant gets my vote as the prettiest subsonic airliner, those nicely spaced four Trent 500s giving it a balanced look with unrivalled presence in the air and on the tarmac. As for comfort, older aircraft are usually better when it comes to personal space and the A340 is no exception with a typical 2-4-2 layout in economy meaning fewer middle seats compared to other long-haul jets.

@dhammikekw7981 Жыл бұрын

One of the best. Perfect safety record. I really enjoyed it when traved long distances. Very smooth landings. Incredible flight.

@simonprickett 3 жыл бұрын

I flew on every one of Virgin Atlantic's A340-300s and several of the -600s. Always a good flight, and super quiet.

@thecookie2674 2 жыл бұрын

The A340 is my favorite , I remember flying with it as a child , and slowly as I started growing up , I always had a love for aviation so I knew exactly what it can do , It always made the best landings , the plane looks incredible , it is spacy and adorable , I love the Pen ... Also how dare somebody call the safest aircraft in history a failure !

@DontKnow-lz1vh 3 жыл бұрын

Very well made!!!

@matthiouioui 3 жыл бұрын

Sometimes there flies an air Belgium a340 over my house.

@pendolinofan643 3 жыл бұрын

Some times i see a340 I'm in Manchester

@matthiouioui 3 жыл бұрын

Pendolino Fan Ohh! Cool. When I see it it is because it flies from Cape Town to Bergen (Norway). I have problems understanding how it can fly so far. All of this is according to Flightradar24.

@launchnation359 2 жыл бұрын

I’ve flown on the A340-600 in 2014 on Lufthansa and it was an amazing experience.

@StamBenAdam 3 жыл бұрын

I liked this plane. I flew with it several time, and i enjoyed every single flight. Fare Well buddy.

@paulgallagher9734 3 жыл бұрын

I was a passenger on a Cathay A340 a few times. It was a very spacious and comfortable ride. I enjoyed the 2-4-2 layout in economy.

@36minutesago7 3 жыл бұрын

Terrific video 👍

@planesandgolfgolfandplanes32 3 жыл бұрын

Great video and very educational. Back in the early 2000s, I took the Newark to Singapore flight on a 340-300 several times. Always thought it was a great airplane from a customer experience perspective. Good airplane to get stuck on for 19-21 hours.

@jimmytorwich3873 3 жыл бұрын

It was a A340-500

@GERntleMAN 2 жыл бұрын

The coolest of them. Back in my sneak peak at Lufthansa for becoming a pilot, I walked through the hangars of Lufthansa Technik at Frankfurt. I went into every plane and the A340 stuck with me. Only topped by the massively impressive A380. It was the reason I went for the assessment center for becoming a pilot for Lufthansa. But 2012 they stopped recruiting, although I passed the tests. A real bummer...

@luchito0015 3 жыл бұрын

A340 is/was a magnificent beast. No other plane ever roared like that one.

@itsk.a.k 2 жыл бұрын

Will always love the A340 no matter how many latest aircrafts enter the market

@anostalgic3402 3 жыл бұрын

Personally I love the A340 series. Flew the -200, -300 and -600. SAA, TAP, Iberia, Air France and Swiss. I don’t think it was a failure at all of an aircraft. As explained in the video it was developed during the days when ETOPS 120 was the limit and ETOPS 180 was a dream to any airline and regulators. It was made to be an economical-restriction free airplane and it did just that. It gave good performance under FLEX takeoffs out of hot and high airports with a significant amount of weight. If you compare fuel flow per hour, the A340-600 burns slightly less than the 777-300ER. Only problem were maintenance fees, double the engines, systems etc. If you view it as a transitional jet which allowed airlines to open up new markets, and it had a an amazing economy layout 2-4-2, very spacious and comfortable then it was a successful aircraft.

@MG_Steve 2 жыл бұрын

I flew on a Virgin 340 from LHR to LAX in the late 90s - lovely plane. I also wondered why some had dual carriages on the middle set of wheels and some not - now I know, thanks Simple Flying! :)

@derekcaan7686 2 жыл бұрын

The Airbus a 340 is probably the only aircraft that I have flown all the variants on. I have flown the A340-200, -300, -500 and -600 on Emirates, Cathy Pacific, Virgin Atlantic, Airblue, Air Lanka and Turkish Airlines.

@TobiasRieper047 3 жыл бұрын

I flew a Cathay Pacific A340-600 from Amsterdam to Hong Kong in december 2008 and retour flight in January 2009. I loved the jet, Cathay has great service and its personnel, both ground and air crew were very friendly and helpful. I was fortunate enough to fly business class at the time, at which at that time was a rather surprising yet soothing trip. The aircraft itself wasn't very noisy to my memory, but I do remember the distinctive engine sound to be rather soothing for white-noise when trying to sleep on an 12-13hr flight. I have also been fortunate enough to fly a Martinair MD-11 in 2007 on a summer holiday to Fuerteventura, which also was a rather pleasant experience. Though, nothing will compare the sight of a 3-engined aircraft with that iconic tail-engine. To look back on both experiences, I think as a passenger they preformed rather close to each other when it came to comfort even if the MD-11 felt a bit more as a bus ride than the A340 did.

@EpicThe112 3 жыл бұрын

A340-600 Cathay Pacific longest flights New York to Hong Kong 16 hours 20 minutes

@michaelpolley01 Жыл бұрын

I miss the security of 4 engines despite ETOPS. The 340 was an impressive aircraft. I enjoyed a comfortable non stop journey from London to Mauritius in 2017 with Air Mauritius and am glad to have had the experience.

@katieswann3311 3 жыл бұрын

Flew on one in 2009 from Chicago- Munich and munich-Charlotte, Lufthansa. Loved the downstairs bathrooms. Such a smooth ride for long haul flights.

@andriygolukh6746 2 жыл бұрын

I used to operate -500. It’s the most powerful machine out of A340, but incredibly easy responsive as А318. Loved it!

@Trevor1292 2 жыл бұрын

To be honest, as a passenger, I found the A340-300 to be sluggish, taking nervously what felt like forever to rotate then, the long slow climb to cruise altitude. Once at altitude, then eventual descent and landing everything was normal. I never got the chance to fly on the A340-200. It was a completely different experience with the A340-500 and A340-600, ( and also the A330-200 and A330-300 ) so much so, I could not help feeling the A340-300 was underpowered. I didn't realize, nor understood at the time, it was programmed that way to produce the most economical fuel burn. I was young and naive back then and the best part / the main fun about flying was to feel the g-force on take-off and the power of the reverse thrust upon landing lol. I certainly would classify the A340 as a failure, as you stated, back then with no ETOPS it was a different situation. The MD11 however was a different story in that when produced, it simply did not live up to the economics that it was marketed and sold to achieve. In addition, as KLM found out, it suffered from reliability issues and was not as easy to fly as the DC10. By luck, it appears to have faired better as a freighter than a passenger aircraft, but even there, it does not appear to have the same longevity as the DC10/MD10.

@Kxre_ 3 жыл бұрын

If my memory isn’t shit, i’ve flew on Cathay Pacific A340-600 few years ago from Beijing to JFK after visiting my grandparents. Enjoyed my flight on it nonetheless even though i nearly lost my glasses after i fell asleep. Great video as always mate!

@indranilchakrabarty4196 3 жыл бұрын

Your memory is Shit. Cathay flew to JFK.from Hong Kong, not Beijing

@joncooke671 2 жыл бұрын

I had the privilege of flying on the A340 many times, mainly with Iberia and Virgin. Also flew on them with Air France and Lufthansa. I’m sad that many airlines are retiring them albeit for understandable reasons. It is a lovely, graceful aircraft and I will miss it when I return to more regular travel.

@johnking8121 3 жыл бұрын

I loved this aircraft. I flew many times & I enjoyed it. Thanks Airbus.

@nmesomaonumaegbu6208 Жыл бұрын

My first a340 flight was on the emirates inaugural flight from abuja to dubai with their a340-300 flight, that flight was still one of my most memorable flights till date.

@mikemontgomery2654 3 жыл бұрын

That video brought back a lot of memories. Used to the 343s lots at YVR and YYC. Many different airlines, many different cities.

@Sacto1654 3 жыл бұрын

The A340 was developed at a time when ETOPS 180 certification was just a pipe dream. Once the Boeing 777 proved that twinjets could fly long overwater routes, Airbus suddenly got a rush of A330 orders, especially the A330-200 model that became available in the late 1990's.

@AkashYadav-kp6hi 10 ай бұрын

Lovely to see that there are fans of Airbus in the comments. Although in my country, there never was an Airline who bought the A340 but I've always been a fan of Airbus having done numerous flights with A319/20/21, Boeing 737, ATR36/72, Bombardier Q400. Airbus has the best seats, best cabin insulation and smoothest landings.

@probableflaws3597 3 жыл бұрын

Flown the A340 many times as Virgin was my main airline across the Atlantic. My wife and I always loved that it had only the two seats at the window and it was just a great plane overall . It will be missed. I always wanted to fly the SIN-JFK “longest route” on the Singapore -500, but instead my wife randomly got to fly on one of the first flights of its A350 successor.

@sanctaterra7636 3 жыл бұрын

A340-600 just a legend 🙌

@finlaycox8026 3 жыл бұрын

Flown the A340 twice, from JNB to LHR on an SAA A346, and from ZRH to JNB on a Swiss A343. I remember both being extremely comfortable, with almost unnoticeable landings. Whether this was the plane, the crew or other factors I don't know, but it's a huge shame for me that I'll likely not fly the A340 again.

@ronjohnson3177 2 жыл бұрын

Love the A340 so smooth and quiet.

@garudain77 3 жыл бұрын

They are fast! One day, piloting my Boeing 717 from NY to ATL, and loping along at about .78 Mach, a Lufthansa A380, also going into ATL from Europe passed overhead, about 4,000 feet above us. It wasn't messing around. One minute it was right above us, easily identifiable, and ten minutes later it was just a dot ahead, going over the hill. It was on the ground as we were flying our approach. (Crazy side note: After landing in ATL, it is common for planes to have to wait before they can cross the runway that is being used for departures. Because the Lufthansa had to wait to cross, and because we arrived at the same runway-crossing point just as it was opening up, we wound up taxiing to the terminal right behind them. Ya just never know.) I love the graceful swoops of the wings, as viewed from in front and behind.

@ShiromanSingh 3 жыл бұрын

I last flew on the A340 in the summer of 2004 with Virgin Atlantic. I have seen quite a few of them at airports in the late 2000s.

@marcomiranda6574 3 жыл бұрын

I love flying in a340's. One of her attributes is the 2-4-2 seat configuration, it's very comfy because couples can travel in the side rows with only two seats. Even in the central 4 seats row, nobody is more than one seat far from the isle. The new a350 has a 3-3-3 seat configuration. You know the rest of the story.

@sundarchip 2 жыл бұрын

Love the A340. One of the best looking airliners ever and I remember the cabin being much quieter and somewhat more comfortable than that of the 777, which it ultimately lost to.

@marxxmann8758 3 жыл бұрын

This is the most beautiful built plane amongst all of them,ill definitely choose a quad jet over a twin anyday especially crossing vast oceans

@pjotrtje0NL 2 жыл бұрын

Soon, you may not have that choice anymore…

@CaptainInkman 3 жыл бұрын

I have never saw a340 at any airport but a340 family is my favourite family of aircraft.

@davidgiles5030 2 жыл бұрын

Flew one from KUL to STN. Took most of the runway at KUL, and almost an hour to get to altitude.Aside from that I like 4 engines.14.45 hour flight and a wicked cross wind at STN. Great ride.

@jdzzl 2 жыл бұрын

0:17 can we talk about that flare??? That's the best one I have EVER seen

@kharabovsk 3 жыл бұрын

I am still fond of the A340 look . I flew the -200s and -300s between 1993 and 2000 . Great times then , great flights on them .

@abdurrahmanzain 3 жыл бұрын

A340 One of the best airliner in the world. And I love the A340-600 more, it has spectacular view when take off and landing. Thank you Simple Flying keeping us informed

@robinsonsstudios 3 жыл бұрын

the a340-600 is in my opinion one of the most beautiful passenger aircraft ever built!

@studiosnch 3 жыл бұрын

I had many chances of riding the A340, especially since Philippine Airlines used a - 300 for its important Manila-Davao route. It was always a treat for me when my DVO-MNL flight is on an A340, since it was seriously quiet and comfortable.

@ronaldoramires6504 2 жыл бұрын

One of the more beatiful airplane ever. The symetric lines, surround sound generated in your 4 fans when a take off is amazin. Greetings from SGBR neighbor.

@12345fowler 2 жыл бұрын

Did anyone noticed the Lufty A340 at 00:18 landing without flaps with a very nose high attitude and probably a much higher speed than normal full flaps landing ? What a nice landing for a very much degraded situation. Perfectly executed.

@deejasart7766 2 жыл бұрын

My favourite plane. It’s so sad they discontinued it. A beautiful aircraft, one of the very few quad jet planes ever built. I can recall only 4, Airbus A380, A340, Boeing 747, Boeing Dreamliftrr

@user-oj4xp2lh4d Жыл бұрын

Having flown on this aircraft on numerous occasions I would say that for quietness and comfort it beats its American rivals hands down. Happy that Lufthansa still flies it.

@jeno826 2 жыл бұрын

I did fly with lufthansa 340/600 . What a beautiful aircraft, in end outside! With the lavatories in the lower section of the aircraft makes it very unique!!!!!!!! Nice memories!!!!!!!! Can’t wait to fly the 777x .