The Twin Engine Revolution That Grounded a Giant!

In the 1970s and 80s, ETOPS regulations limited twin-engine aircraft to flying within 90-120 minutes of a suitable airport, making long-haul routes less efficient for them compared to quad-engine aircraft which weren't restricted by ETOPS.

Airbus designed the A340 as a quad-engine long-haul aircraft to compete with Boeing's 747 in this environment.

By the 1990s, ETOPS regulations were relaxed, allowing twin-engine aircraft like the Boeing 777 to fly much longer distances (up to 330 minutes eventually). This made twin-engine aircraft more viable for long-haul routes due to their better fuel efficiency and lower maintenance costs.

The A340, designed for a time with stricter ETOPS rules, became less competitive against the more efficient twin-engine Boeing 777. Airbus responded by extending the range of their A330 twin-engine aircraft which also benefited from relaxed ETOPS regulations.

Relaxed ETOPS regulations favored twin-engine aircraft for long-haul routes, making the Airbus A340, designed for a time with stricter ETOPS rules, less competitive.

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