1. Airbus A380
The Airbus A380 is the world’s largest passenger airliner, renowned for its impressive size and capacity. It features a double-deck design and can carry over 850 passengers in an all-economy configuration. Since its debut in 2007, it has become a symbol of large-scale commercial aviation.
- Max passenger capacity of over 850 in an all-economy layout
- Double-deck tail-to-tail design for maximum space
- Longest aircraft in service at 72.7 meters (238 ft 7 in)
- Operated by major airlines around the world
- More about Airbus A380
2. Boeing 747-8
The Boeing 747-8 is the longest variant of the famous 747 series, often called the ‘Queen of the Skies.’ It offers unparalleled cargo and passenger capacity, blending iconic design with modern efficiency. Is it the king among the largest airliners? For length, yes.
- Length of 76.3 meters (250 ft 2 in), making it the longest commercial aircraft
- High-volume cargo capacity and passenger comfort
- Advanced aerodynamics and fuel efficiency compared to earlier models
- Operates on long international routes
- More about Boeing 747-8
3. Antonov An-225 Mriya
The Antonov An-225 Mriya remains the largest airplane ever built in terms of maximum takeoff weight. Originally designed to transport the Soviet space shuttle, it now primarily carries oversized cargo. Its immense size makes it a marvel of aerospace engineering.
- Maximum takeoff weight of 640 tonnes (1,433,000 pounds)
- Wingspan of 88.4 meters (290 ft 0 in)
- Six turbofan engines for maximum thrust
- Primarily used for transporting oversized cargo worldwide
- More about Antonov An-225
4. Lockheed C-5 Galaxy
The Lockheed C-5 Galaxy is one of the largest military transport aircraft, capable of carrying massive equipment and vehicles across the globe. Its size and capacity have made it a pivotal component of the US Air Force’s strategic airlift capability.
- Wingspan of 67.89 meters (222 ft 9 in)
- Maximum payload of 135 tonnes (149 short tons)
- Length of 75.3 meters (247 ft 0 in)
- Can carry oversized military cargo and equipment
- More about Lockheed C-5 Galaxy
5. Airbus Beluga XL
The Airbus Beluga XL is an oversized cargo aircraft designed specifically to transport aircraft parts between Airbus factories. While not a passenger plane, its size and unique shape place it among the largest aircraft globally, emphasizing Airbus’s engineering prowess.
- Wingspan of 60.3 meters (197 ft 10 in)
- Length of 63.1 meters (207 ft 2 in)
- Maximum payload of 51 tonnes (56 short tons)
- Designed for transporting large aircraft components
- More about Airbus Beluga XL
The Takeaway
From passenger giants like the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747-8 to oversized cargo masters like the Antonov An-225 Mriya and Lockheed C-5 Galaxy, these aircraft exemplify the pinnacle of aerospace engineering and capacity. Each of these magnificent planes serves a unique purpose, showcasing the diversity and innovation in aviation technology.