A340-600 vs MD-11
The MD-11 leads, topping 3 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Airbus A340-600 (introduced 2002) against the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 (introduced 1990) is a common decision, and the two sit closer on paper than the badges suggest. Both are commercial, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is range, where the A340-600 has the advantage. undefined
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A340-600 vs MD-11: the key differences
- The A340-600 delivers 10% more range (A340-600: 7,500 nm; MD-11: 6,840 nm).
- The A340-600 delivers 3% more cruise speed (A340-600: 488 kt; MD-11: 473 kt).
- The MD-11 delivers 8% more passenger capacity (A340-600: 380 seats; MD-11: 410 seats).
- The A340-600 is the newer design (introduced 2002 versus 1990 for the MD-11), a gap of 12 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 630,500 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 3 on the MD-11 — 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 MD-11 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 MD-11 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.
More comparisons
A340-600 vs MD-11: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the A340-600 or the MD-11?
The A340-600 has the longer published range — 7,500 nm versus 6,840 nm for the MD-11.
Does the A340-600 or MD-11 seat more passengers?
The MD-11 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 410 seats, compared with 380 on the A340-600.
Which is faster, the A340-600 or the MD-11?
The A340-600 cruises faster, at 488 kt versus 473 kt for the MD-11.
Which is newer, the A340-600 or the MD-11?
The A340-600 is the newer design, introduced in 2002 versus 1990 for the MD-11.
Is the A340-600 or the MD-11 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the A340-600 is the larger aircraft — 837,756 lbs versus 630,500 lbs for the MD-11.
Should I buy the A340-600 or the MD-11?
Choose the A340-600 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the MD-11 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 MD-11?
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.