Name: Airbus A340-500
Brand: Airbus

The ultra-long-range variant of the A340, once the worlds longest-range airliner. Designed for extreme long-haul routes like Singapore to New York, it was eventually superseded by more efficient twin-engine aircraft.

Passengers

270-313

Range

10,358 mi

Cruise Speed

547 mph

First Flight

2002

Did You Know?

Singapore Airlines operated the worlds longest non-stop flight with the A340-500 from Singapore to Newark (18+ hours) until the route was suspended due to high fuel costs.

History & Timeline

Key Milestones

2002

First Flight

The A340-500 completed its maiden flight on February 11, 2002, the longer-range but shorter-fuselage variant of the -500/-600 generation.

2003

Entry into Service

Emirates became the first A340-500 operator in December 2003, later using it for record-breaking routes.

Development Story

Program Launch

Airbus launched the A340-500 as an ultra-long-range variant to serve the worlds longest routes non-stop.

Interesting Facts

Trent 500 Engines

The A340-500 was powered by four Rolls-Royce Trent 553 engines specifically developed for the ultra-long-range -500 and -600 variants.

Records & Achievements

Worlds Longest Flight

Singapore Airlines launched the worlds longest non-stop flight with the A340-500 from Singapore to Newark, covering over 15,000 km in approximately 18 hours.

2004