A340-600 vs A380
The A380 leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
The Airbus A340-600 (introduced 2002) and the Airbus A380 (introduced 2007) 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 A380 carries more passengers. undefined
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A340-600 vs A380: the key differences
- The A380 delivers 9% more range (A340-600: 7,500 nm; A380: 8,200 nm).
- The A380 delivers 4% more cruise speed (A340-600: 488 kt; A380: 507 kt).
- The A380 delivers 124% more passenger capacity (A340-600: 380 seats; A380: 853 seats).
- The A380 is the newer design (introduced 2007 versus 2002 for the A340-600), a gap of 5 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The A380 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (1,267,658 lbs versus 837,756 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
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 A380 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 A380 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 A380: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the A340-600 or the A380?
The A380 has the longer published range — 8,200 nm versus 7,500 nm for the A340-600.
Does the A340-600 or A380 seat more passengers?
The A380 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 853 seats, compared with 380 on the A340-600.
Which is faster, the A340-600 or the A380?
The A380 cruises faster, at 507 kt versus 488 kt for the A340-600.
Which is newer, the A340-600 or the A380?
The A380 is the newer design, introduced in 2007 versus 2002 for the A340-600.
Is the A340-600 or the A380 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the A380 is the larger aircraft — 1,267,658 lbs versus 837,756 lbs for the A340-600.
Should I buy the A340-600 or the A380?
On published specifications the A380 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 A380?
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.