Airbus A340 to Serve 13 US and Canada Routes in September

Airbus A340 to Serve 13 US and Canada Routes in September

Flights operated by quadjet aircraft such as the Airbus A340 are becoming increasingly uncommon, particularly on transatlantic routes. Data from Cirium Diio indicates that A340 flights to the United States and Canada in September will decline by 20 percent compared to the same month last year, nearly double the global reduction rate of 11 percent. During this period, only three carriers—Edelweiss, Lufthansa, and Tunisair (operating a leased aircraft)—will deploy the A340 on North American routes.

Lufthansa: Leading A340 Operations Across the Atlantic

Lufthansa remains the largest global operator of the A340, maintaining a fleet of 22 aircraft comprising six 281-seat A340-600s, which include first-class cabins, and sixteen 279-seat A340-300s. In September, Lufthansa will account for 84 percent of all A340 flights to the US and Canada, although none will serve Canadian destinations until the aircraft type returns to Canada on October 26. All Lufthansa A340 flights originate from its Frankfurt hub. The Boston route is unique in featuring the first-class-equipped A340-600, operating four times weekly. The remainder of Lufthansa’s North American network—including Chicago O’Hare, Detroit, New York JFK, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, and Washington Dulles—is served by the A340-300. Compared to September of the previous year, Lufthansa’s A340 flights to North America have decreased by 16 percent, with A340-600 services experiencing a sharp 85 percent reduction. Although more flights are anticipated during the winter season, opportunities to fly on these aircraft are rapidly diminishing.

Edelweiss: Phasing Out the A340 in Favor of Newer Models

Swiss leisure carrier Edelweiss operates five A340-300s, each configured to seat 314 passengers. The airline is swiftly transitioning to the more efficient Airbus A350-900, which offers enhanced passenger comfort and reduced fuel consumption, despite higher ownership costs. In September, Edelweiss’s A340 network includes five routes from Zurich: Calgary (three weekly flights until September 14), Denver (three weekly until September 22), Halifax (twice weekly), Seattle (twice weekly until September 15), and Tampa (three weekly until September 28). Most of these seasonal services are scheduled to conclude by early October, with the A350-900 gradually assuming these routes. Edelweiss has recently reported some of the lowest load factors among European carriers serving the US, underscoring the competitive pressures faced by operators of older aircraft.

Tunisair: Maintaining a Limited Transatlantic Presence

Tunisair, the Tunisian flag carrier, operates a single transatlantic A340 route connecting Tunis to Montréal. This limited deployment highlights the diminishing role of the A340 on North American services.

Market Challenges and Future Outlook

The continued operation of the A340 on these 13 North American routes confronts several challenges. Regulatory compliance and fuel efficiency are increasingly critical concerns as aviation authorities and environmentally conscious passengers favor newer, more efficient aircraft. The A340’s higher operating costs and emissions place it at a disadvantage relative to modern twinjets such as the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787. Furthermore, competition from low-cost carriers and airlines offering state-of-the-art cabins is intensifying. Competitors are expected to respond with aggressive marketing strategies and potential fare adjustments to maintain market share, further pressuring airlines that continue to operate the aging quadjet.

As the A340’s presence diminishes and airlines transition to next-generation aircraft, passengers wishing to experience this iconic quadjet on transatlantic routes are advised to do so soon, before it disappears from North American skies entirely.