The A340-600 is the largest-capacity member of Airbus’ A340 Family
Our fleet of 10 A340-600s is based at Bournemouth International Airport (BOH). During the pandemic, these aircraft were repurposed as Passenger to Freighter (P2F) and executed over 400 flights, transporting Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and test kits.
In December 2022, exclusive rights to a Supplementary Fleet Type (STC) for the A340-600 to operate as a Freighter were granted. Currently, four fully modified aircraft have the capability to avail UK traffic rights, and a fifth aircraft is expected to be available by May 2024. The plan is to convert all 10 aircraft by the mid 2025.
Each modified A340-600 boasts a payload of 76,000kgs gross and a 440 cubic meters capacity. The fleet offers versatile services, including fully scheduled operations, ad hoc charters and wet/dry leasing, providing a range of options for potential clients.
75.4m
7,900nm
63.5m
17.9m
40 tons
76 tons
39
440m 3
Increased range
Airbus’ A340-600 is an ultra-long-haul leader, with a range of 7,900 nautical miles.
The jetliner’s four Rolls-Royce Trent 500 engines use only 56,000 lbs. of their certified 60,000 lbs. of thrust, resulting in longer on-wing lives. Furthermore, the use of four engines – as opposed to two larger ones – allows for a 13 per cent reduction in maintenance costs for operators.
In terms of range, the A340-600 offers unmatched operational flexibility on non-stop flights over remote areas such as oceans and mountain ranges, allowing for operations that are not subject to ETOPS (Extended-range Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards) regulations. This enables airlines to fly more direct routes – even long distances over water or on segments far from airports – saving travel time and cutting fuel consumption.
Aircraft Capability – Main Deck
Internal
Measurements
Measurements in the table above correlate to the internal measurements shown. This shows the useable internal cargo load area of each Cargo POD.
Illustration of cargo POD shape
Aircraft Capability – Lower Deck
The lower deck capacity is 30 metric tons in the forward cargo hold and an additional 22 metric tons in the aft cargo hold. There's also a bulk load area designed for 3.5 metric tons of loose or non-containerized cargo. The aircraft is equipped to handle up to 14 large airfreight pallets—8 in the forward section and 6 in the aft section. In total, it offers a cargo volume of 175 cubic meters or 55 metric tons. This configuration makes the aircraft suitable for a range of cargo transportation needs.
