A340-600 vs 787-8 Dreamliner
A340-600 and 787-8 Dreamliner are closely matched, each topping 2 of 7 metrics.
The Airbus A340-600 (introduced 2002) and the Boeing Commercial Airplanes 787-8 Dreamliner (introduced 2011) are two aircraft buyers regularly weigh against each other. 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. undefined
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A340-600 vs 787-8 Dreamliner: the key differences
- The A340-600 delivers 3% more range (A340-600: 7,500 nm; 787-8 Dreamliner: 7,305 nm).
- The A340-600 and 787-8 Dreamliner are evenly matched on cruise speed, both at 488 kt.
- The A340-600 delivers 6% more passenger capacity (A340-600: 380 seats; 787-8 Dreamliner: 359 seats).
- The 787-8 Dreamliner is the newer design (introduced 2011 versus 2002 for the A340-600), a gap of 9 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 502,500 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 787-8 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 A340-600 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 A340-600 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 787-8 Dreamliner 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 787-8 Dreamliner: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the A340-600 or the 787-8 Dreamliner?
The A340-600 has the longer published range — 7,500 nm versus 7,305 nm for the 787-8 Dreamliner.
Does the A340-600 or 787-8 Dreamliner seat more passengers?
The A340-600 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 380 seats, compared with 359 on the 787-8 Dreamliner.
Which is newer, the A340-600 or the 787-8 Dreamliner?
The 787-8 Dreamliner is the newer design, introduced in 2011 versus 2002 for the A340-600.
Is the A340-600 or the 787-8 Dreamliner the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the A340-600 is the larger aircraft — 837,756 lbs versus 502,500 lbs for the 787-8 Dreamliner.
Should I buy the A340-600 or the 787-8 Dreamliner?
On published specifications the A340-600 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 787-8 Dreamliner 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 787-8 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.