Airbus A340-200: An analysis of its commercial challenges

The A340-200, however, underperformed significantly with only 28 units built. It was initially designed to replace older Boeing 747 models but struggled due to competition from more efficient widebody jets. Its limited appeal was mostly among niche buyers with specific needs.

The aircraft's design included seating for over 260 passengers and a range of up to 8,100 nautical miles. Despite these features, airlines preferred other options due to better operating economics offered by competitors like the Boeing 777 and later variants of the Airbus A330.

Today, most remaining A340-200s serve in executive or military roles rather than commercial aviation. Operators include governments from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar Amiri Flight, and France's Air and Space Force. Commercial use is largely limited by geopolitical factors affecting carriers like Venezuela's Conviasa.

Several factors contributed to the model's lack of success: its four engines consumed more fuel compared to twin-engine alternatives; it wasn't large enough to justify higher fuel costs; and it faced internal competition from the more economical A340-300 variant.

Ultimately, the market for which the Airbus A340-200 was designed no longer existed as airlines shifted towards more economical options like the Airbus A330 and Boeing 777.