The A340 was originally launched
as a long range complement to the short range A320, and the medium
range A330. Airbus’s problem was that regulations required
twin engine aircraft to stay within 60 minutes flying time of
a suitable diversion airport. This prevented Airbus’s twin
jets from competing on long over-water routes. Four engines would
fill that gap in their fleet.
Virgin Atlantic ran its first A340 service in August 2002, and
their slogan for the 340, “4Engines4LongHaul” inspired
the title. |