The Airbus A340-500, the world's first ultra-long-range commercial airliner, revolutionized transoceanic aviation by enabling previously impossible non-stop routes. First flown in February 2002, it was a low-wing four-engine airliner powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 500 turbofans that could seat 313 passengers in standard configuration or 181 in premium layouts. With a range exceeding 8,500 nautical miles, the aircraft established Singapore Airlines' record-breaking 18-hour polar route from Singapore to Newark. Manufactured by Airbus in Toulouse, France from 2002 to 2011.
View in Encyclopedia| HEX CODE | |||||
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| Italian Air Force | — | 748 | Italy | 30064a |