A330-800neo vs A340-600
The A330-800neo leads, topping 3 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Airbus A330-800neo (introduced 2020) against the Airbus A340-600 (introduced 2002) is a common decision, and the two sit closer on paper than the badges suggest. Both are commercial, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. On paper they are closely matched, so the decision usually turns on cabin, economics and availability. We line the numbers up below, then translate them into the mission each aircraft actually wins.
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A330-800neo vs A340-600: the key differences
- The A330-800neo delivers 9% more range (A330-800neo: 8,150 nm; A340-600: 7,500 nm).
- The A340-600 delivers 0% more cruise speed (A330-800neo: 487 kt; A340-600: 488 kt).
- The A330-800neo delivers 7% more passenger capacity (A330-800neo: 406 seats; A340-600: 380 seats).
- The A330-800neo is the newer design (introduced 2020 versus 2002 for the A340-600), a gap of 18 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The A340-600 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (837,756 lbs versus 514,000 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
- The two differ in powerplant layout: the A330-800neo runs 2 engines against 4 on the A340-600 — a factor in redundancy, maintenance scope and operating cost.
Which mission suits which aircraft
Both aircraft are built for nonstop ultra-long-haul routes, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the A330-800neo seats more), trip economics and what is actually available on the market. Match the airframe to how you fly most weeks, not to the headline range figure.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the A330-800neo leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The A340-600 can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
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A330-800neo vs A340-600: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the A330-800neo or the A340-600?
The A330-800neo has the longer published range — 8,150 nm versus 7,500 nm for the A340-600.
Does the A330-800neo or A340-600 seat more passengers?
The A330-800neo carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 406 seats, compared with 380 on the A340-600.
Which is faster, the A330-800neo or the A340-600?
The A340-600 cruises faster, at 488 kt versus 487 kt for the A330-800neo.
Which is newer, the A330-800neo or the A340-600?
The A330-800neo is the newer design, introduced in 2020 versus 2002 for the A340-600.
Is the A330-800neo or the A340-600 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the A340-600 is the larger aircraft — 837,756 lbs versus 514,000 lbs for the A330-800neo.
Should I buy the A330-800neo or the A340-600?
On published specifications the A330-800neo leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The A340-600 can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
Still weighing up the A330-800neo vs A340-600?
Specs only take you so far. Our advisors give an independent recommendation based on your mission, budget and how you actually fly — and represent your side through to purchase.