Developed as a single aircraft program, the A340 and A330 share the same airframe, systems and cockpits, and only differ by the number of engines and related systems. This leads to streamlined flight crew training and increased pilot productivity. The similarities of both aircraft allow pilots to obtain a type rating between A330s and A340s within 1 day, opening new scheduling and flight opportunities for both the crews and their airlines.
Commonality also reduces spares requirements, and reduces maintenance costs.
It was designed for extreme long flights with a capacity of approximately 250 passengers. The company recognised that a twin - engined aircraft can only be operated economically on routes up to about 5000 nautical miles. The -200 version carrys up to 320 passengers over the amazing distance of 14,500 km. A340-300 can seat up to 420 passengers and still offers a range of 13,500 km. There is no -400 version.