A340-600 vs 777-300ER
The 777-300ER leads, topping 3 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Airbus A340-600 (introduced 2002) beside the Boeing Commercial Airplanes 777-300ER (introduced 2003) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. 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. Below we compare them spec by spec, then break down which aircraft suits which mission.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
A340-600 vs 777-300ER: the key differences
- The A340-600 delivers 2% more range (A340-600: 7,500 nm; 777-300ER: 7,370 nm).
- The A340-600 and 777-300ER are evenly matched on cruise speed, both at 488 kt.
- The 777-300ER delivers 4% more passenger capacity (A340-600: 380 seats; 777-300ER: 396 seats).
- The 777-300ER is the newer design (introduced 2003 versus 2002 for the A340-600), a gap of 1 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 775,000 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 777-300ER — 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 777-300ER 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 777-300ER 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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A340-600 vs 777-300ER: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the A340-600 or the 777-300ER?
The A340-600 has the longer published range — 7,500 nm versus 7,370 nm for the 777-300ER.
Does the A340-600 or 777-300ER seat more passengers?
The 777-300ER carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 396 seats, compared with 380 on the A340-600.
Which is newer, the A340-600 or the 777-300ER?
The 777-300ER is the newer design, introduced in 2003 versus 2002 for the A340-600.
Is the A340-600 or the 777-300ER the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the A340-600 is the larger aircraft — 837,756 lbs versus 775,000 lbs for the 777-300ER.
Should I buy the A340-600 or the 777-300ER?
Choose the A340-600 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the 777-300ER 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 A340-600 vs 777-300ER?
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.