An aircraft type that is becoming increasingly rare in the era of modern aviation is the Airbus A340. There are several model variants, from the 59-meter-short Airbus A340-200 to the 75-meter-long Airbus A340-600. This aircraft type will likely gradually disappear from the skies over the coming years. So if you’ve always wanted to visit the lavatory in the belly of an aircraft: there isn’t much time left to experience Lufthansa’s A340-600.
In this article, we take a look at the least well-known four-engine aircraft that is still (for now) operating in the skies.
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Lufthansa
Lufthansa, the largest operator of passenger flights using the Boeing 747, is also the world’s largest A340 operator. They operate two different types of the four-engine aircraft: the Airbus A340-300 and the longer Airbus A340-600. The latter even features eight seats in First Class and Economy Class lavatories in the cargo hold, while its smaller sibling has a three-class configuration.
Airbus A340-600
As of 2026, Lufthansa has five different Airbus A340-600 routes planned. All flights operate to and from Frankfurt. While the focus is on transatlantic connections to four different U.S. destinations, from May to October the aircraft will also operate via Riyadh to Dammam.
Airbus A340-300
Lufthansa’s routes operated by the shorter Airbus A340-300 are significantly more diverse. Exclusively departing from Frankfurt, the aircraft serves four different continents. The A340-300 either operates as the second daily connection from Frankfurt to major hubs or serves secondary destinations such as Costa Rica, Central Africa, or several cities in Central Asia.
Swiss
Swiss currently still operates three active Airbus A340-300 aircraft (with one additional aircraft parked). Their days are numbered, and from the end of 2026 they are expected to serve only as reserve aircraft. For now, however, they still regularly fly to Shanghai and Johannesburg. In the summer schedule, they also serve two European destinations: Málaga and Alicante (both on Saturdays).
Edelweiss
A third operator is also part of the Lufthansa Group. Although these aircraft are also expected to be replaced by modern Airbus A350s in the future, this will likely take at least until the end of the decade.
In 2026, passengers can fly to a total of twelve destinations aboard an Edelweiss A340-300, making the Swiss leisure airline the second-largest operator after Lufthansa. The route to Montreal is operated on behalf of Swiss under a wet-lease agreement.
Mahan Air
Another major operator of Airbus A340 aircraft is the Iranian airline Mahan Air. In addition to the -300 and -600 variants, it also still operates the Airbus A340-200, which is used occasionally. As both the airline and Iran itself are subject to international sanctions, its destinations are mainly within the Middle East, as well as China, Bangkok, Moscow, and India. Due to these sanctions, the aircraft may remain in service long term, although it may be difficult to obtain a ticket with Mahan Air.
KAM Air
A lesser-known (and likely less recommendable) airline still operating the Airbus A340-300 is the Afghan carrier KAM Air. With one exception, it flies from Kabul to four different airports within the region. Each of its four aircraft (two of which are currently parked) features 346 seats, configured entirely in Economy Class with up to nine seats per row.
South African Airways
A better-known airline still operating the Airbus A340 is South African Airways, the South African member of the Star Alliance. Both of its remaining aircraft are still in active scheduled service, connecting Johannesburg with Lagos, Mauritius, and Perth. However, the aircraft type is only reliably and consistently deployed on the latter route.
Conviasa
Hardly any European has likely ever flown on a Conviasa aircraft. This is because the airline serves few destinations outside Venezuela and has faced recurring financial difficulties in recent years. With two active Airbus A340-200 and A340-600 aircraft each, it serves destinations within the Caribbean region as well as long-haul direct routes between Caracas and Moscow/St. Petersburg. It also owns an A340-300, which is currently parked.
Surinam Airlines
Another airline offering flights aboard the Airbus A340-600 is Surinam Airlines from South America. It operates its A340 between Amsterdam and Paramaribo in Suriname. However, the flights are not operated by the airline itself but by Universal Sky Carrier, which serves the route on behalf of Surinam Airlines up to three times per week.
Other Airbus A340 Operators
In addition to regular scheduled routes, some Airbus A340 aircraft are also used in charter operations or as private jets. For example, a Hi Fly Malta Airbus A340-300 is frequently deployed worldwide for various airlines.
Conclusion
There are still a few opportunities left to fly on the Airbus A340 in its various versions. For customers in Europe, Edelweiss, Lufthansa, and Swiss are likely the easiest options to experience the world’s last remaining four-engine single-deck passenger aircraft. The more adventurous can try to fly aboard an Airbus A340-200.