Airbus Claims Newly Certified A340-600 Brings 18% Higher Productivity

Airbus has achieved certification for the latest version of the long range A340-600 -- a 380 tonne variant -- from EASA. The new aircraft has concluded a successful four month test campaign following the aircraft’s first flight in November 2005.

Qatar Airways is the first customer to take delivery of this new higher gross weight A340-600 with first deliveries due to begin in summer 2006, followed by deliveries to Lufthansa, Virgin Atlantic and Etihad Airways.

Benefiting from A380 technology, reduced maintenance costs, and the latest development of Rolls-Royce Trent 500 engines, the new 380 tonne A340-600, with typical seating of 380 passengers in three-class comfort, provides up to 18% higher compared to earlier variants and travels 250 nm further, up to 7,900 nm.

"Airbus is delighted to receive certification of this new version of our A340-600" said Airbus President and CEO Gustav Humbert.

"The certification brings it closer to operation. This new A340-600 will allow our customers to fly further while maintaining the highest degree of passenger comfort and improved operating costs," Mr Humbert continued.

Currently more than 1060 A330/A340/A350 Family aircraft have been ordered by 72 customers around the world, of which more than 140 Airbus A340-500/-600 have been sold to 14 customers.

Certification of the new variant of the ultra long-range A340-500 is due to take place in the beginning of 2007.

FMI: www.airbus.com