Why did the A340 have 4 engines?
The 340 is a long range aircraft intended for long range and cargo. The 340 is larger and much heavier than the 320, and can carry more as well. The 320 only needs 2 engines for its weight, the 340 needs 4 to help lift it and propel it.
What is the advantage of having 4 engines instead of 2?
Four engines of course gave better redundancy, and were seen as safer in the event of engine failure. A twin engine aircraft (under FAA rules) could not fly more than 60 minutes away from a diversion airport – limiting the possibilities for trans-oceanic flights.
Why does the Airbus A340 have 4 engines?
The A340 was designed at a time when ETOPS (Extended-range Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards) had not been developed. Some airlines preferred two engines which reduced operational costs, while others preferred four engines with increased reliability at an additional cost.
What is the difference between the A340 and A330?
If it had only 2 engines, it would be an A330. The main difference between the two models is that the A340 has four engines, and it was designed and produced specifically for airlines that needed that.
Is it possible to fly long distance with an Airbus A330?
This was not always possible, and severely limited long distance flying options. Airbus was smart enough! They made two versions of the same air-frame: one with a 2 engine option and the other with a 4 engine option. The 2 engine one was known as the A330 and the 4 engine one was called the A340.
Why do some planes have two engines and some have four?
Some airlines preferred two engines which reduced operational costs, while others preferred four engines with increased reliability at an additional cost. Airbus decided to split the development into distinct aircraft having the same wing and airframe – A330 with two engines and A340 with four engines.