A330-900neo vs A340-600
A330-900neo and A340-600 are closely matched, each topping 2 of 7 metrics.
The Airbus A330-900neo (introduced 2018) and the Airbus A340-600 (introduced 2002) are two aircraft buyers regularly weigh against each other. Both are commercial, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the A330-900neo carries more passengers. The spec-by-spec breakdown below is followed by a mission-fit read and a buyer's recommendation.
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A330-900neo vs A340-600: the key differences
- The A340-600 delivers 4% more range (A330-900neo: 7,200 nm; A340-600: 7,500 nm).
- The A340-600 delivers 0% more cruise speed (A330-900neo: 487 kt; A340-600: 488 kt).
- The A330-900neo delivers 16% more passenger capacity (A330-900neo: 440 seats; A340-600: 380 seats).
- The A330-900neo is the newer design (introduced 2018 versus 2002 for the A340-600), a gap of 16 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 553,800 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
- The two differ in powerplant layout: the A330-900neo 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 A330-900neo 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?
Choose the A340-600 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the A330-900neo when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the A340-600 holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
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A330-900neo vs A340-600: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the A330-900neo or the A340-600?
The A340-600 has the longer published range — 7,500 nm versus 7,200 nm for the A330-900neo.
Does the A330-900neo or A340-600 seat more passengers?
The A330-900neo carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 440 seats, compared with 380 on the A340-600.
Which is faster, the A330-900neo or the A340-600?
The A340-600 cruises faster, at 488 kt versus 487 kt for the A330-900neo.
Which is newer, the A330-900neo or the A340-600?
The A330-900neo is the newer design, introduced in 2018 versus 2002 for the A340-600.
Is the A330-900neo or the A340-600 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the A340-600 is the larger aircraft — 837,756 lbs versus 553,800 lbs for the A330-900neo.
Should I buy the A330-900neo or the A340-600?
Choose the A340-600 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the A330-900neo when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the A340-600 holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
Still weighing up the A330-900neo 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.