A340-600 vs A350-1000
The A350-1000 leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
The Airbus A340-600 (introduced 2002) and the Airbus A350-1000 (introduced 2018) 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 A350-1000 carries more passengers. The spec-by-spec breakdown below is followed by a mission-fit read and a buyer's recommendation.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
A340-600 vs A350-1000: the key differences
- The A350-1000 delivers 16% more range (A340-600: 7,500 nm; A350-1000: 8,700 nm).
- The A350-1000 delivers 7% more cruise speed (A340-600: 488 kt; A350-1000: 521 kt).
- The A350-1000 delivers 26% more passenger capacity (A340-600: 380 seats; A350-1000: 480 seats).
- The A350-1000 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 727,525 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
- The two differ in powerplant layout: the A340-600 runs 4 engines against 2 on the A350-1000 — 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 A350-1000 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 A350-1000 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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A340-600 vs A350-1000: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the A340-600 or the A350-1000?
The A350-1000 has the longer published range — 8,700 nm versus 7,500 nm for the A340-600.
Does the A340-600 or A350-1000 seat more passengers?
The A350-1000 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 480 seats, compared with 380 on the A340-600.
Which is faster, the A340-600 or the A350-1000?
The A350-1000 cruises faster, at 521 kt versus 488 kt for the A340-600.
Which is newer, the A340-600 or the A350-1000?
The A350-1000 is the newer design, introduced in 2018 versus 2002 for the A340-600.
Is the A340-600 or the A350-1000 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the A340-600 is the larger aircraft — 837,756 lbs versus 727,525 lbs for the A350-1000.
Should I buy the A340-600 or the A350-1000?
On published specifications the A350-1000 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 A340-600 vs A350-1000?
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.