What’s the Largest Aircraft in the World?

From record-breaking cargo planes to passenger giants, these marvels of engineering push the limits of size and capability. Scroll through or press the links in the lists below to explore the top non-passenger and passenger aircraft, complete with fun facts and technical data for each one!

 

The largest non-passenger aircrafts in the world

1. Antonov An-225 Mriya – The Largest Aircraft Ever Built
2. Scaled Composites Stratolaunch – The World’s Largest Wingspan
3. Antonov An-124 Ruslan – “The Giant of Air Cargo”
4. Lockheed C-5 Galaxy – “The Colossus of the Skies”
5. Boeing 747-400 Dreamlifter
6. Antonov An-22 Antei
7. Airbus Beluga XL – “The Flying Whale”

 

The largest passenger aircrafts in the world

1. Airbus A380-800 – The Largest Passenger Aircraft Ever Built
2. Boeing 747-8 – The Queen of the Skies
3. Airbus A340-600
4. Boeing 777-9
5. Airbus A350-1000

 

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The Largest Non-Passenger Aircrafts in the World

1. Antonov An-225 Mriya – The Largest Aircraft Ever Built

Fun Fact: The Antonov An-225 was originally designed to transport the Soviet Buran space shuttle.

The Antonov An-225 Mriya, a true marvel of aviation engineering, holds the title of the largest aircraft ever built. Developed in the 1980s by Ukraine’s Antonov Design Bureau, this massive cargo plane was specifically designed to carry oversized and heavy cargo that no other aircraft could manage. It features six powerful engines and a wingspan of 88.4 meters, making it a symbol of human ingenuity in aviation. The An-225 was primarily used to transport items like turbines, construction equipment, and even other aircraft parts. With a maximum takeoff weight of 640 tons, this aircraft remains unparalleled in its capabilities.

Technical Data:
•    Wingspan: 88.4 meters
•    Length: 84 meters
•    Height: 18.2 meters
•    Maximum Payload: 250 tons
•    Cruising Speed: 800 km/h
•    Range: 4,500 km with 200 tons of cargo

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2. Scaled Composites Stratolaunch – The World’s Largest Wingspan

Fun Fact: Nicknamed the "Roc," this aircraft has a wingspan larger than a football field.

The Scaled Composites Stratolaunch, with its jaw-dropping wingspan of 117 meters, is the world’s largest aircraft by wingspan. This dual-fuselage aircraft was developed as a launch platform for rockets, allowing them to be deployed into space mid-flight. Its innovative design includes two cockpits, although only one is functional. The Stratolaunch’s primary mission is to support the commercial space industry by enabling more flexible and cost-effective satellite launches. Its unique design and capabilities make it a standout in the history of aviation.

Technical Data:
•    Wingspan: 117 meters
•    Length: 73 meters
•    Height: 15.2 meters

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3. Antonov An-124 Ruslan – “The Giant of Air Cargo”

Fun Fact: The An-124’s cargo hold can fit multiple helicopters!

The Antonov An-124 Ruslan, often called “The Giant of Air Cargo,” is one of the largest and most versatile cargo planes in operation. Built by the Antonov Design Bureau in the 1980s, this aircraft is capable of transporting a staggering 150 tons of payload, including heavy machinery, vehicles, and humanitarian aid. Its iconic nose-loading design allows for the easy loading and unloading of oversized cargo, making it a critical tool for global logistics. The An-124’s durability and range have solidified its place as a workhorse in both civilian and military aviation.

Technical Data:
•    Wingspan: 73.3 meters
•    Length: 69.1 meters
•    Height: 21.1 meters

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4. Lockheed C-5 Galaxy – “The Colossus of the Skies”

Fun Fact: The C-5 Galaxy has a unique ability to "kneel," lowering its front landing gear for easier cargo loading.

The Lockheed C-5 Galaxy is a military cargo plane renowned for its massive size and capabilities. Developed for the U.S. Air Force, this aircraft first took flight in 1968 and has since been a cornerstone for heavy-lift operations. Its payload capacity of 122 tons allows it to carry everything from military vehicles to humanitarian aid supplies. The C-5’s unique design includes a "kneeling" landing gear system, which facilitates the loading and unloading of large and heavy items. With a range of over 7,000 kilometers, the C-5 Galaxy is a vital asset for strategic airlifts worldwide.

Technical Data:
•    Wingspan: 67.89 meters
•    Length: 75.3 meters
•    Height: 19.8 meters

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5. Boeing 747-400 Dreamlifter

Fun Fact: The Dreamlifter’s cargo volume is three times larger than a standard 747.

The Boeing 747-400 Dreamlifter, a highly modified version of the classic 747, is designed for one purpose: transporting oversized aircraft components. With an extended fuselage and a hinged tail, this aircraft can carry massive items like Boeing 787 Dreamliner fuselages. Its specialized role and enormous cargo capacity make it an essential part of the modern aviation manufacturing process.

Technical Data:
•    Wingspan: 64.4 meters
•    Length: 71.6 meters
•    Height: 21.5 meters

•    Maximum Payload: 113 tons
•    Cruising Speed: 878 km/h
•    Range: 7,780 km

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6. Antonov An-22 Antei

Fun Fact: The An-22 was the first wide-body transport aircraft ever built.

The Antonov An-22 Antei is a pioneer in aviation history as the first wide-body cargo aircraft. Known for its distinctive contra-rotating propellers, the An-22 excels in missions that require landing on unpaved or short runways. Its robust design and 80-ton payload capacity make it a reliable choice for both military and humanitarian missions.

Technical Data:
•    Wingspan: 64.4 meters
•    Length: 57.9 meters
•    Height: 12.5 meters

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7. Airbus Beluga XL – “The Flying Whale”

Fun Fact: The Beluga XL can carry two full-size A350 wings at once.

The Airbus Beluga XL, affectionately nicknamed "The Flying Whale," is a cargo aircraft designed to transport oversized Airbus components between manufacturing sites. Its voluminous fuselage and unique shape make it instantly recognizable. Based on the Airbus A330-200, the Beluga XL’s enhancements allow it to carry up to 53 tons of cargo over considerable distances, ensuring the efficiency of Airbus’s production pipeline.

Technical Data:
•    Wingspan: 60.3 meters
•    Length: 63.1 meters
•    Height: 18.9 meters
•    Maximum Payload: 53 tons
•    Cruising Speed: 780 km/h
•    Range: 4,074 km

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The Largest Passenger Aircrafts in the World

1. Airbus A380-800 – The Largest Passenger Aircraft Ever Built

Fun Fact: The A380’s wings are so large that they could fit 70 cars parked wingtip to wingtip.

The Airbus A380-800 is a double-decker marvel that redefined the standards for passenger comfort and capacity. Capable of carrying up to 853 passengers in an all-economy configuration, the A380 is the ultimate choice for long-haul travel. With a luxurious cabin featuring onboard lounges and private suites, this aircraft is a favorite among airlines and passengers alike. Its cutting-edge engineering, combined with a range of 14,800 kilometers, makes it a standout in the aviation industry.

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2. Boeing 747-8 – The Queen of the Skies

Fun Fact: The 747-8 is the longest passenger aircraft in the world.

The Boeing 747-8 combines elegance, efficiency, and capacity in one iconic design. Known as the “Queen of the Skies,” it can carry up to 660 passengers in an all-economy configuration. With its spacious cabin and state-of-the-art technology, the 747-8 is a favorite for airlines offering long-haul routes. Its unmatched range and fuel efficiency set it apart in the realm of large passenger aircraft.

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3. Airbus A340-600

Fun Fact: The A340-600 holds the record for the longest aircraft until the arrival of the Boeing 747-8.

The Airbus A340-600 is a four-engine, long-range jet that offers comfort and reliability for passengers on intercontinental flights. Its spacious cabin and impressive range of 14,600 kilometers make it a preferred choice for connecting distant cities without stopovers. The aircraft’s advanced engineering and luxurious interiors have earned it a place among the most admired passenger jets in history.

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4. Boeing 777-9

Fun Fact: The 777-9 has foldable wingtips to fit into standard airport gates.

As part of Boeing’s groundbreaking 777X family, the 777-9 blends efficiency, technology, and passenger comfort. Its advanced materials and powerful GE9X engines make it one of the most fuel-efficient aircraft in its class. With a range of over 14,000 kilometers, the 777-9 is designed to connect major cities seamlessly.

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5. Airbus A350-1000

Fun Fact: The A350-1000 uses advanced materials that reduce fuel consumption by 25% compared to earlier models.

The Airbus A350-1000, the largest member of the A350 family, is an ultra-modern aircraft designed for long-haul efficiency and passenger comfort. Featuring Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines and advanced aerodynamics, it offers airlines significant cost savings and reduced emissions. Its spacious cabin and range of 14,800 kilometers make it a favorite for transcontinental routes.

Technical Data:
•    Wingspan: 64.8 meters
•    Length: 73.79 meters
•    Maximum Capacity: 400 passengers
•    Range: 14,800 km

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What to do in case of a flight delay or cancellation?

No matter if you flew with one of the above-mentioned planes or just a normal-sized plane, you have the right to compensation under certain circumstances.
If your flight was delayed, canceled, or overbooked, you may be entitled to compensation up to €600 per person according to the EU Passenger Rights Regulation 261/2004. The amount of compensation depends on the flight distance – you can read more about it here.

 

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