A340-600 vs 787-10 Dreamliner
The 787-10 Dreamliner leads, topping 3 of 7 compared metrics.
The Airbus A340-600 (introduced 2002) and the Boeing Commercial Airplanes 787-10 Dreamliner (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 range, where the A340-600 has the advantage. The spec-by-spec breakdown below is followed by a mission-fit read and a buyer's recommendation.
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A340-600 vs 787-10 Dreamliner: the key differences
- The A340-600 delivers 17% more range (A340-600: 7,500 nm; 787-10 Dreamliner: 6,430 nm).
- The A340-600 and 787-10 Dreamliner are evenly matched on cruise speed, both at 488 kt.
- The 787-10 Dreamliner delivers 16% more passenger capacity (A340-600: 380 seats; 787-10 Dreamliner: 440 seats).
- The 787-10 Dreamliner 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 560,000 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 787-10 Dreamliner — 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 787-10 Dreamliner 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 787-10 Dreamliner 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 787-10 Dreamliner: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the A340-600 or the 787-10 Dreamliner?
The A340-600 has the longer published range — 7,500 nm versus 6,430 nm for the 787-10 Dreamliner.
Does the A340-600 or 787-10 Dreamliner seat more passengers?
The 787-10 Dreamliner carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 440 seats, compared with 380 on the A340-600.
Which is newer, the A340-600 or the 787-10 Dreamliner?
The 787-10 Dreamliner is the newer design, introduced in 2018 versus 2002 for the A340-600.
Is the A340-600 or the 787-10 Dreamliner the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the A340-600 is the larger aircraft — 837,756 lbs versus 560,000 lbs for the 787-10 Dreamliner.
Should I buy the A340-600 or the 787-10 Dreamliner?
Choose the A340-600 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the 787-10 Dreamliner 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 787-10 Dreamliner?
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.