Aerolíneas Argentinas Initiates Sale of its Last Airbus A340-200

Aerolíneas Argentinas has initiated the sale of its last Airbus A340-200, with registration LV-ZRA (msn 85), which has been stored in Buenos Aires since 2014. Potential buyers are encouraged to request more details via an email provided on the airline’s website, and offers for the aircraft will be accepted until May 1st.

The airplane, grounded since March 2, 2014, retains all essential components despite its extended storage period. The Request for Proposal (RFP) from the Argentine flag carrier is aimed at lessors and financial institutions, suggesting anticipation of a possible return to service for the A340.

The Airbus A340 is a wide-body, long-range commercial aircraft that debuted in the early 1990s. It was designed to compete with Boeing’s 747 and McDonnell Douglas’ MD-11 in the global market for long-haul flights.

Over the years, the A340 has undergone several modifications, resulting in the A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 variants. However, the A340’s popularity waned as the industry shifted toward twin-engine aircraft such as the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787, which offer better fuel efficiency. Production ceased in 2011 after delivering 377 aircraft.

The history of Aerolíneas Argentinas’ last four-engine aircraft

Delving into the history of the LV-ZRA Airbus A340-211 (c/n 085), it first took flight on March 3, 1995, with the registration F-WWJP in its pre-delivery test series. Cathay Pacific Airways (PAL) received it with the registration VR-HMU on April 4, 1995.

Following a series of temporary storage, cancellations, and repaints, the aircraft donned Aerolíneas Argentinas colors on August 6, 1999, and was registered as LV-ZRA on August 12, 1999. Ultimately, the ZRA was stored in Buenos Aires in April 2008 and withdrawn from service on March 2, 2014.

The A340-211 LV-ZRA can be seen in the background, with its engines covered, in the hangar area of Ezeiza Airport. (Photo: Maximiliano Miranda)

Considering its 28 years of age, this high-fuel consumption four-engine aircraft has little chance of returning to the skies, and if it does, it is unlikely to be with a top-tier airline.

This article was originally published in Aviacionline, as per our syndication agreement.

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