Top 10 Biggest Airplanes In The World July 2024

The aviation industry has seen the development of some truly massive airplanes that have pushed the boundaries of engineering and design. These giants of the sky serve various purposes, from transporting oversized cargo to carrying hundreds of passengers across continents. This analysis explores the top 10 biggest airplanes in the world, highlighting their specifications, history, and contributions to aviation.

1. Antonov An-225 Mriya: The Colossal Cargo Carrier

The Antonov An-225 Mriya tops the list as the largest airplane ever built, with a maximum takeoff weight of 640 tonnes. Designed in the 1980s to transport the Buran space shuttle and Energiya rocket components, the An-225 boasts an impressive wingspan of 88.4 meters and a range of 15,400 km. Its ability to carry oversized cargo both internally and externally made it a vital asset for global logistics.

Key features of the An-225 Mriya include:

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 640 tonnes
Wingspan: 88.4 meters
Maximum Speed: 800 km/h
Range: 15,400 km

Unfortunately, the sole operational An-225 was destroyed during the Russia-Ukraine conflict in February 2022. Plans to build a second unit face significant financial challenges, with estimates around $800 million.

2. Scaled Composites Stratolaunch: The Record-Breaking Wingspan

The Scaled Composites Stratolaunch, also known as Roc, is notable for having the world's longest wingspan at 117 meters. With a maximum takeoff weight of 590 tonnes, this twin-fuselage aircraft was designed to launch rockets and conduct hypersonic flight tests. Since its first flight in 2019, the Stratolaunch has completed multiple flights, focusing on developing the Talon-A reusable hypersonic vehicle.

Key features of the Stratolaunch include:

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 590 tonnes
Wingspan: 117 meters
Maximum Speed: 850 km/h
Range: 1,900 km

3. Airbus A380-800: The Largest Passenger Airliner

The Airbus A380-800 holds the title of the largest passenger airplane, capable of carrying over 800 passengers in a double-decker configuration. With a maximum takeoff weight of 575 tonnes and a wingspan of 79.75 meters, the A380 was developed to challenge the dominance of the Boeing 747. Its first flight occurred in 2005, and it entered commercial service in 2007.

Key features of the Airbus A380-800 include:

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 575 tonnes
Wingspan: 79.75 meters
Maximum Speed: 903 km/h
Range: 14,800 km

Despite its impressive capabilities, production of the A380 ended in 2021 due to shifting market demands and airline preferences for more fuel-efficient aircraft.

4. Antonov An-124 Ruslan: Heavy Lifter of the Skies

The Antonov An-124 Ruslan is a strategic airlift cargo aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight of 455 tonnes. Developed in the 1980s, it was the largest military transport aircraft until the arrival of the An-225. The An-124 has been used extensively for both military and civilian purposes, including transporting heavy and oversized cargo around the world.

Key features of the An-124 Ruslan include:

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 455 tonnes
Wingspan: 73.3 meters
Maximum Speed: 865 km/h
Range: 15,700 km

5. Boeing 747-8: The Evolution of a Classic

The Boeing 747-8 is the latest and largest variant of the iconic 747 series. With a maximum takeoff weight of 447 tonnes and a wingspan of 68.45 meters, it was developed to compete with the Airbus A380. The 747-8 comes in both passenger (Intercontinental) and freighter versions, featuring improved efficiency and capacity over its predecessors.

Key features of the Boeing 747-8 include:

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 447 tonnes
Wingspan: 68.45 meters
Maximum Speed: 1,061.9 km/h
Range: 13,650 km

6. Lockheed C-5 Galaxy: Military Transport Titan

The Lockheed C-5 Galaxy is one of the largest military transport aircraft in the world, with a maximum takeoff weight of 381 tonnes. Operated by the United States Air Force, it can carry oversized military equipment, including tanks and helicopters. The C-5 has played a crucial role in strategic airlift operations since its introduction in 1969.

Key features of the C-5 Galaxy include:

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 381 tonnes
Wingspan: 67.9 meters
Maximum Speed: 856 km/h
Range: 8,900 km

7. Boeing 747-400 Dreamlifter: Specialized Cargo Transporter

The Boeing 747-400 Dreamlifter is a modified cargo aircraft designed to transport large Boeing 787 Dreamliner components. With a maximum takeoff weight of 396 tonnes, the Dreamlifter features an enlarged fuselage and a swing tail to accommodate oversized cargo. It significantly reduces delivery times for aircraft parts across Boeing's global supply chain.

Key features of the Dreamlifter include:

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 396 tonnes
Wingspan: 64.4 meters
Maximum Speed: 908 km/h
Range: 13,450 km

8. Boeing 777X: Next-Generation Widebody

The Boeing 777X is the latest series in the Boeing 777 family, featuring new GE9X engines, composite wings with folding wingtips, and advanced technologies from the 787 Dreamliner. With a maximum takeoff weight of 351 tonnes, it aims to offer improved fuel efficiency and capacity. The first test flight occurred in 2020, with deliveries expected in the coming years.

Key features of the Boeing 777X include:

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 351 tonnes
Wingspan: 71.75 meters
Maximum Speed: 930 km/h
Range: 8,170 km

9. Antonov An-22 Antei: The Turboprop Giant

The Antonov An-22 Antei is the world's largest turboprop aircraft, with a maximum takeoff weight of 250 tonnes. First flown in 1965, it was designed for strategic military airlift, capable of operating from unpaved and short airstrips. The An-22 has been used for various military and humanitarian missions, showcasing its versatility and durability.

Key features of the An-22 Antei include:

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 250 tonnes
Wingspan: 64.4 meters
Maximum Speed: 580 km/h
Range: 5,225 km

10. Airbus BelugaXL: The Super Transporter

The Airbus BelugaXL is a large transport aircraft based on the A330-200F, designed to carry oversized aircraft components. With a maximum takeoff weight of 227 tonnes, it offers 30% more capacity than its predecessor, the BelugaST. The BelugaXL entered service in 2020 and plays a critical role in supporting Airbus's production network across Europe.

Key features of the Airbus BelugaXL include:

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 227 tonnes
Wingspan: 60.3 meters
Maximum Speed: 737 km/h
Range: 4,000 km

Which is the Biggest Airplane in the World?

Antonov AN-225 Mriya is (was) the Biggest Airplane in the world.

Which is the Biggest Commercial Airplane in the World?

Airbus A380 is the biggest passenger and commercial airplane in the world and the only double-decker aircraft. It can carry more than 800 passengers.

Which is the Biggest Cargo Airplane in the World?

Antonov An-225 Mriya is (was) the largest cargo airplane in the world and can deliver oversized cargo globally, both internally and externally. However, due to the destruction of the An-226, An-124 Ruslan became the new largest cargo airplane in the world.