Virgin Atlantic to retire Airbus A340’s from it's fleet.



The end of four engine Airbus A340 for commercial flight is near with so many airlines around the world planning to retire the aircraft or have already done so. The latest of such airline is Virgin Atlantic. As the airline is set to end operations of the aircraft by the end of 2019.

Part of the plan is to replace the retired aircraft with Airbus A350. Virgin Atlantic is due to receive four Airbus A350 aircraft by the end of the year, which will be replacing the carrier’s five Airbus A340 aircraft. The current largest operator of A340 Lufthansa with about 30 aircraft of 2 variants of the aircraft also have plans to retire the aircraft. That will be fully reported in another post here on Aviation Roundtable blog.

In truth, the once jewel of transatlantic flight, due to the fact that four engines were essential for extended operations over oceans in the years past. However, with the new Extended Twin Operation (ETOPS) regulations, having four engines is now no longer essential.

With this in mind, Airlines are tending towards two engines. Which is more efficient, consumes less fuel, more environmentally friendly with less emmission of Co2, less noise pollution and ultimately more profitable with better economic margins.

Have you flown the Airbus A340 before? What are your thoughts with the prospects of the aircraft been retired? Do let us know in the comment section.



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