The most important facts about “The world’s largest aircraft”
- The largest passenger aircraft in the world is the Airbus A380-800.
- With a variable seating configuration, the A380-800 can carry up to 850 passengers.
- The Boeing 747-8, Boeing 777-9, Airbus A350-1000 and Airbus A340-600 are also among the best-known and largest passenger aircraft.
- The largest transport aircraft in the world is the Antonov An-225 Mriya.
- Specially developed for transporting heavy cargo, the An-225 has a maximum take-off weight of around 640 tons.
- The best-known and largest cargo aircraft include the Airbus Beluga XL, Airbus Beluga ST, Antonov An-124, Lockheed C-5 Galaxy and Boeing 747-8F.
- In the event of a flight cancellation or delay, travelers are entitled to compensation under certain circumstances.
- In case of difficulties, legal assistance from Flightright is recommended.
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A glance into the skies reveals a fascinating variety of aircraft, from small propeller planes to gigantic jets that transport passengers and cargo around the world. Amidst this impressive fleet of aircraft, one particular category stands out – the world’s largest aircraft. Although rarely encountered, these giants hold immense fascination for aviation enthusiasts, engineers and travelers. This article is dedicated precisely to these impressive aircraft, and we will turn to aspects of both the largest passenger aircraft and the largest cargo aircraft.
Immerse yourself in the world of superlatives and learn all about the technology, size, history and impressive achievements of these unique aircraft. Let’s take off together and explore the limits of what is possible – welcome to the fascinating world of the largest aircraft in the world!
The largest aircraft in the world – Antonov An 225 Mrija (Mrija)
Biggest airplane in the world – what is the biggest airplane in the world? The largest aircraft in the world is the Antonov An-225 Mrija. It was designed and built by the Ukrainian company Antonov Design Bureau. This impressive Ukrainian cargo plane was specially designed to carry heavy and bulky cargo. The An-225 was first built in the 1980s and is an enlarged version of its predecessor, the An-124.
How big is the largest airplane in the world?
The dimensions of this giant aircraft are impressive. It has a length of about 84 meters, a wingspan of about 88 meters, and the height is about 18.1 meters, which makes it a truly gigantic aircraft. Its maximum takeoff mass can be up to 640 tons.
The Antonov An-225 is undoubtedly a unique and impressive aircraft that more than deserves its role as the largest aircraft in the world. It is a symbol of engineering and progress in the aviation industry.
What is the largest aircraft in the world passengers?
Largest aircraft in the world Passengers – The largest passenger aircraft in the world is the Airbus A380-800, which can carry up to approximately 850 passengers, depending on seating configuration. The A380-800 is a double-decker aircraft and offers a wide range of seating and service facilities on two levels to meet the comfort and needs of passengers:inside on long-haul flights. It is an impressive aircraft with a wingspan of over 79 meters and a length of approximately 73 meters.
What is the size of the largest passenger aircraft in the world?
A380 is very popular among passengers due to its high comfort and imposing appearance. Flying the Airbus A380 yourself need not remain a dream. The dimensions of this impressive aircraft are as follows:
- Wingspan: about 79.75 meters
- Length: about 72.72 meters
- Height: approx. 24.09 meters
- Cabin width: about 6.58 meters
What is the largest transport aircraft in the world?
The largest transport aircraft in the world is the Antonov An-225 Mriya. It was developed in the Soviet Union and is still in service. The An-225 was built specifically to transport heavy and oversized cargo and has a maximum takeoff mass of about 640 tons. It has six engines and, with a wingspan of about 88.4 meters, is the largest aircraft ever produced. The An-225 holds the record for the heaviest cargo ever carried, which is about 253 tons.
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What are the largest passenger aircraft?
The world’s largest passenger aircraft, the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747-8, are operated by various airlines around the world. The Airbus A380 is operated by Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Lufthansa and other airlines. The Boeing 747-8 is operated by Lufthansa, Korean Air, Air China and other airlines. The Boeing 777-300ER is operated by airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways and Cathay Pacific, while the Airbus A340-600 is operated by airlines such as Lufthansa and Virgin Atlantic. The Airbus A350-1000 is operated by airlines such as Qatar Airways and Cathay Pacific.
The largest aircraft in the world: passenger aircraft
Airbus A380-800 (about 853 passengers:inside)
With no serious competition, the Airbus A380-800 sits in 1st place among the world’s largest passenger aircraft as an upgraded version of the A350-1000. The Airbus A380-800 is a four-engine passenger aircraft and the largest commercial jetliner in the world. It has a maximum capacity of over 800 passengers in a typical three-class configuration. The A380-800 was developed by Airbus and introduced in 2005.
The aircraft has an impressive range of up to 8,000 nautical miles (approximately 14,800 kilometers) and offers a comfortable and spacious interior with various passenger amenities. It is powered by four powerful engines and offers high efficiency and low operating costs per seat. The Airbus A380-800 has revolutionized the aviation industry and is used by many major airlines worldwide.
- Manufacturer: Airbus
- Leading airlines: Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa, Qantas
Boeing 747-8 (about 660 passengers)
The Boeing 747-8 is a long-range aircraft and the latest version of the legendary Boeing 747 series. It was developed by Boeing and is one of the largest passenger aircraft in the world. The first flight took place in 2010. The 747-8 is available in two variants: the 747-8 Intercontinental, which is designed for passenger flights and offers increased range and capacity, and the 747-8 Freighter, which serves as a cargo plane and can carry large loads. The aircraft is equipped with the latest technology and offers improved fuel efficiency and performance compared to previous versions.
- Manufacturer: Boeing
- Leading airlines: Lufthansa, Korean Air, Air China
Boeing 777-9 (about 450 passenger:inside)
The Boeing 777-9 is the largest aircraft in the Boeing 777X family and a long-range passenger aircraft from the American aircraft manufacturer Boeing. It has a maximum range of around 14,075 kilometers and can carry up to 426 passengers in a typical three-class configuration. The 777-9 features advanced technology and improved fuel efficiency, with powerful General Electric GE9X engines. The aircraft also offers a spacious cabin and modern passenger:interior amenities.
- Manufacturer: Boeing
- Leading airlines: Emirates, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines
Airbus A350-1000 (about 400 passenger:inside)
The Airbus A350-1000 is a widebody twin-engine aircraft and the largest model in Airbus’ A350 XWB family. It seats about 400 passengers:inside in a typical three-class configuration and has a maximum range of about 14,800 kilometers. The A350-1000 features advanced technology, including lightweight composite materials, efficient engines and innovative wing designs that result in significant fuel savings. Powered by advanced Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, the aircraft offers high reliability, enhanced passenger comfort features and increased environmental friendliness.
- Manufacturer: Airbus
- Leading airlines: Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, British Airways
Airbus A340-600 (about 475 passengers)
The Airbus A340-600 is a long-range aircraft manufactured by the European aircraft manufacturer Airbus. It is a four-engine long-range commercial aircraft with a maximum take-off weight of 368 tons. It is the longest version of the A340 family and can seat approximately 350 to 475 passengers:inside, depending on the seating arrangement. The first flight took place in April 2001.
The A340-600 features an impressive range of around 13,900 kilometers, making it ideal for long-haul flights. The aircraft is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, a spacious cabin and a high level of comfort and is used by airlines worldwide for their long-haul routes.
- Manufacturer: Airbus
- Some of the leading airlines that have operated or still operate the Airbus A340-600 are: Lufthansa, Emirates, Thai Airways, Iberia, South African Airways.
Affected by a flight delay or cancellation? Flightright helps you secure your compensation.
The right to compensation expires after three years in Germany. If the delay occurs on June 30, 2023, the deadline is December 31, 2023, so if your flight was canceled in the summer of 2023, you have until December 31, 2026 to file your claim against the airline.
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Note
What are the largest cargo aircraft in the world?
A freighter is an aircraft specifically designed to transport goods and cargo. Unlike passenger aircraft, which are primarily designed to carry people, cargo aircraft are designed to transport goods efficiently and safely over long distances. Cargo aircraft come in a variety of sizes and types, from small propeller planes to large wide-body aircraft. Some of the best known and largest cargo aircraft include the following:
Antonov An-225 Mrija – “The King of Cargo Aircraft
The Antonov An-225 Mrija is the largest cargo aircraft in the world and is often referred to as a “flying miracle”. It was developed by Antonov Design Bureau in Ukraine and is capable of carrying heavy cargo such as construction equipment, aircraft engines and other large loads. The An-225 has a maximum payload of 250 tons and can reach a top speed of 850 km/h. Find out more about the fastest airplanes in the world here.
It has six engines and a wingspan of over 88 meters. Originally developed to transport the Soviet space shuttle program, the An-225 is now used worldwide for various cargo transport tasks and is an impressive example of engineering and aviation technology. startgewicht
Airbus Beluga XL – “The majestic cargo carrier of the skies”.
The Airbus Beluga XL is a freighter developed by Airbus to carry large cargoes and aircraft components. It is based on the Airbus A330-200 and features a unique, voluminous upper deck that opens forward to facilitate the loading process. With a length of around 63 meters, a wingspan of around 60 meters and a maximum payload of around 53 tons, the Beluga XL is one of the world’s largest freighter aircraft.
Its impressive capacity enables the transport of wings, fuselages and other bulky components between the various Airbus plants in Europe. The Beluga XL’s maiden flight took place in July 2018, and since then it has successfully entered service to optimize the logistics of aircraft parts for Airbus.
Airbus Beluga ST – “The Flying Whale of Aviation
The Airbus Beluga ST, also known as the Airbus A300-600ST Super Transporter, is a specially modified freighter developed by Airbus to carry bulky cargo and aircraft parts. Its distinctive design with an enlarged upper surface gives it a whale-like appearance and enables the transport of wings, fuselages and other large components between the various Airbus plants in Europe.
The Beluga ST has a payload of around 47 metric tons and can fly at a maximum speed of around 800 kilometers per hour. This unique cargo aircraft plays a crucial role in the logistical support of Airbus production and helps to ensure the smooth manufacture and assembly of commercial aircraft.
Antonov An-124 – “The giant of air cargo”.
The Antonov An-124 is an impressive cargo aircraft developed by the Antonov Design Bureau in the Soviet Union. With a maximum takeoff mass of about 405 tons and a payload capacity of up to 150 tons, the An-124 is one of the largest and most powerful cargo aircraft in the world. Its distinctive nose can be opened to accommodate bulky cargo such as vehicles or turbines.
The An-124 first entered service in 1982 and has since proven its versatility and robustness in various humanitarian and military missions. Thanks to its ability to land on unpaved runways and cover long distances, the Antonov An-124 plays an important role in global cargo transport.
Lockheed C-5 Galaxy – “The Colossus of the Skies
The Lockheed C-5 Galaxy is a major cargo aircraft and one of the largest military transport aircraft in the world. It first entered service with the U.S. Air Force in 1968 and has been used for heavy strategic airlift ever since. The C-5 Galaxy has a substantial payload capacity of up to 122 tons and can carry a variety of cargo, including tanks, helicopters and other military equipment.
With a range of more than 7,000 kilometers and the ability to operate on short unpaved runways, the C-5 Galaxy is a critical component for global operational capabilities and humanitarian missions. Its imposing design and diverse capabilities have made it a cornerstone of the U.S. Air Force and other forces around the world.
Boeing 747-8F – “New standards in cargo aviation”.
The Boeing 747-8F is a major freighter developed by Boeing Commercial Airplanes. It is a further development of the legendary Boeing 747 family and is characterized by its impressive capacity and efficiency. The jet has a maximum payload of about 140 tons and a range of over 8,000 kilometers. Its distinguishing feature is the extended upper deck, which sets it apart from earlier versions. With state-of-the-art technology and aerodynamic improvements, the Boeing 747-8F offers operators an optimal solution for global cargo transportation and remains an essential workhorse in the air cargo industry.
The list of largest cargo aircraft may change over time as new models are developed and older aircraft may no longer be in production.
Where can you watch the biggest airplanes?
The largest aircraft can usually only be observed at larger international commercial airports, especially those with high passenger and cargo volumes that have the appropriateinfrastructure and capacity. In addition, runways must be long and wide enough for the giant aircraft. If you don’t necessarily want to take a flight yourself, but would still like to see one of the world’s largest airplanes take off and land with your own eyes, you have the opportunity to do so at some airports. Here are some of the most famous airports where you can see big planes:
- Frankfurt am Main Airport (FRA) – Germany
- Hamburg Airport (HAM) – Germany
- London Heathrow Airport (LHR) – United Kingdom
- Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) – France
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – USA
- Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) – China
- Sydney Airport (SYD) – Australia
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) – USA
- Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) – Hong Kong
- Dubai International Airport (DXB) – United Arab Emirates
Largest aircraft in the world – Technical data of the largest aircraft in the world at a glance
An overview of the top 10 largest aircraft in the world
Antonov An-225 Mriya (Mrija)
- Span: 88.40 m
- Length: 84 m
- Height: 18.20 m
- Wing area: 905 m²
- Cruising speed: 800 km/h
- Range: 4500 km (with payload of 200,000 kg)
Hughes H-4 “Spruce Goose
- Wingspan: 97.54 meters
- Span: 97.54 m
- Length: 66.50 m
- Height: 24.18 m
- Wing area: 1059 m²
- Range: 9451 km
- Cruising speed: approx. 400 km/h
Airbus A380-800
- Wingspan: 79.80 meters
- Length: 72.80 m
- Height: 24.10 m
- Wing area: 845 m²
- Range: 14,816 km
- Cruising speed: Mach 0.8
Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental
- Wingspan: 68.50 meters
- Length: 76.3 m
- Height: 19.4 m
- Wing area: 554 m²
- Range: 14800 km
- Cruising speed: 917 km/h
Antonov An-124 Ruslan
- Wingspan: 73.30 meters
- Length: 69.10 m
- Height: 21.08 m
- Wing area: 628 m²
- Cruising speed: 800 km/h
- Range: 4800 km (with maximum payload)
Lockheed C-5M Super Galaxy
- Wingspan: 67.88 meters
- Length: 75.54 m
- Height: 19.85 m
- Wing area: 576 m²
- Cruising speed: 833 km/h
- Range: 9723 km (with 60 tons payload)
Saunders-Roe SR.45 Princess
- Wingspan: 66.90 meters
- Length: 45.1 m
- Height: 16.99 m
- Wing area: 466 m²
- Range: 9205 km
- Cruising speed: 579 km/h
Stratolaunch Carrier Aircraft
- Span: 117 m
- Length: 73 m
- Height: 15 m
- Top speed: 853 km/h
- Range: 1852 km with external loads (without up to 4630 km)
McDonnell Douglas MD-11
- Wingspan: approx. 51.64 meters
- Length: about 61.30 meters
- Height: about 17.60 meters
- Wing area: approx. 356.6 square meters
- Range: about 11,000 kilometers
Airbus A340-600
- Span: approx. 63.45 meters
- Length: about 75.36 meters
- Height: approx. 17.37 meters
- Wing area: approx. 437 square meters
- Range: approx. 14,600 kilometers
The mobility industry has made tremendous progress in recent years. The big brother of the An-124 is the world’s heaviest and longest aircraft Antonov An-225 Mrija. Antonov Airlines is a major player in the mobility sector and operates an impressive fleet of cargo aircraft.
The only airworthy example of the Antonov An-225 was destroyed during the Russian invasion of Ukraine (war in Ukraine) in February 2022 at its home base Hostomel in Ukraine. Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonow_An-225
How can Flightright help you?
Are you stuck at the airport due to a flight delay? Your flight has been canceled or you have been removed from the passenger list (denied boarding)?
In each of the situations described, you as a passenger have a right to compensation.
According to the EU Passenger Rights Regulation, passengers are entitled to compensation in the event of a delay, cancellation, overbooking, or missed connection. You can claim up to 600 euros of compensation per person (minus commission fee). This compensation is independent of the ticket price. Flightright enforces your right for you. If necessary also in court.
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