Airbus achieves certification for new long range A340-600

Airbus has achieved certification for the latest version of the long range A340-600, the 380 tonne variant, from The European Aviation and Safety Agency (EASA). This concludes a successful four month test campaign following the aircraft’s first flight in November 2005.

Qatar Airways is the first customer to take delivery of this new higher gross weight A340-600 with first deliveries due to begin in summer 2006, followed by deliveries to Lufthansa, Virgin Atlantic and Etihad Airways.

Benefiting from A380 technology, reduced maintenance costs, and the latest development of Rolls-Royce Trent 500 engines, the new 380 tonne A340-600, with typical seating of 380 passengers in three-class comfort, provides up to 18% higher compared to earlier variants and travels 250 nm (463 km) further, up to 7,900 nm (14,600 km).

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