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Airbus A340 Family Engine Configuration Codes

Airbus A340 Family engine or configuration codes connect model suffixes, production standards, and supplier choices. A340-200/-300: CFM56-5C; A340-500/-600: Rolls-Royce Trent 500

01

Overview

Airbus A340 Family engine or configuration codes connect model suffixes, production standards, and supplier choices. A340-200/-300: CFM56-5C; A340-500/-600: Rolls-Royce Trent 500

Advantages

  • Very long-range capability for its era.
  • Airbus cockpit commonality with A330 family.
  • Four engines reduced route-planning dependence on twin-engine diversion rules.

Limitations

  • Four-engine economics are weaker than modern twins.
  • Passenger fleets have declined significantly.
02

Identification

Key terms

Technical features

  • Connects model suffixes, airline maintenance strategy, and performance limits.
  • Important for aircraft identification and fleet comparison.

Advantages

  • Helps explain range, payload, noise, and fuel-burn differences.

Limitations

  • Public data may omit thrust derates or later engine swaps.
03

Related entries

04

Technical notes

Technical notes

  • Use aircraft subtype codes together with airline fleet data before identifying the exact engine standard.
  • A340-200 and A340-300 share strong commonality with early A330 designs.
06

Sources

Wikipedia: Airbus A340 Family