Top 10 Biggest Airplanes in the World
Table of Contents
Top 10 Biggest Capacity Aeroplanes in the World
Airplanes are marvels of modern engineering, designed to carry large numbers of passengers and cargo over vast distances. Some aircraft stand out due to their sheer size and capacity, offering the ability to transport hundreds of passengers or tons of cargo in a single flight.
Below is a detailed look at the top 10 airplanes with the biggest capacity in the world, focusing on their ability to carry passengers, cargo, or both.
1. Airbus A380-800
The Airbus A380-800 is the world’s largest commercial airliner, and it holds the title for the highest passenger capacity in the world. This double-deck aircraft revolutionized long-haul air travel with its immense size, making it a favorite among airlines operating on highly trafficked international routes.
Capacity
- Passengers: Up to 850 (in an all-economy configuration)
- Cargo: 150 tons of freight (max)
Key Features
- Length: 72.7 meters (238 feet 7 inches)
- Wingspan: 79.75 meters (261 feet 8 inches)
- Range: 15,200 kilometers (9,400 miles)
The A380 features four engines, two on each wing, and its enormous size is paired with state-of-the-art technology to provide passengers with an unparalleled flying experience. Airlines like Emirates and Singapore Airlines use the A380 for long-haul flights, where the capacity to transport large numbers of passengers is crucial.
2. Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy
The C-5M Super Galaxy is a military transport aircraft developed by Lockheed Martin, designed to carry oversized cargo for the U.S. Air Force. It is one of the largest cargo aircraft in the world and is capable of carrying a wide variety of military and humanitarian supplies.
Capacity
- Cargo: 130 tons of cargo
- Dimensions: Able to carry oversized loads such as military vehicles, helicopters, and heavy equipment
Key Features
- Length: 75.3 meters (247 feet 1 inch)
- Wingspan: 67.9 meters (222 feet 9 inches)
- Range: 4,460 kilometers (2,770 miles)
The C-5M is equipped with a unique nose that can be raised to allow for drive-on/drive-off loading and unloading, making it highly versatile for a variety of cargo types. It also features advanced engines that provide greater reliability and fuel efficiency.
3. Antonov An-225 Mriya
The Antonov An-225 Mriya was the largest cargo aircraft ever built, and it holds the record for the heaviest cargo ever carried by an aircraft. Originally designed to transport the Soviet Union’s Buran space shuttle, the An-225 has since been used for a variety of commercial cargo operations.
Capacity
- Cargo: 250 tons of cargo
- Length: Capable of carrying extremely large and heavy items, including entire trains and industrial equipment
Key Features
- Length: 84 meters (275 feet 7 inches)
- Wingspan: 88.4 meters (290 feet)
- Range: 4,000 kilometers (2,485 miles)
The An-225’s six engines and impressive wing span make it a giant in the cargo world. Sadly, the aircraft was destroyed during the conflict in Ukraine in 2022, but it remains a significant part of aviation history.
4. Boeing 747-8
The Boeing 747-8 is the largest model in the iconic 747 series, which has long been a staple in commercial aviation. The 747-8 was developed as a wide-body, long-range aircraft capable of carrying large numbers of passengers while providing ample cargo capacity.
Capacity
- Passengers: 410-524 (in a two-class configuration)
- Cargo: 140 tons of freight
Key Features
- Length: 76.3 meters (250 feet 2 inches)
- Wingspan: 68.4 meters (224 feet 7 inches)
- Range: 15,000 kilometers (9,320 miles)
The 747-8 has a distinct humpback design and is one of the most recognized aircraft worldwide. It is widely used by airlines such as Lufthansa and Korean Air, serving both passengers and cargo.
5. Airbus A350-1000
The Airbus A350-1000 is a newer addition to the long-haul aviation fleet, offering a combination of efficiency and capacity. While it’s not as large as the A380, the A350-1000 is designed to compete with the Boeing 777 series and provide airlines with a modern, fuel-efficient alternative.
Capacity
- Passengers: Up to 440 (in a two-class configuration)
- Cargo: 70 tons of freight
Key Features
- Length: 73.79 meters (242 feet 4 inches)
- Wingspan: 64.75 meters (212 feet 7 inches)
- Range: 14,800 kilometers (9,200 miles)
The A350-1000 features advanced aerodynamics and fuel-efficient engines, making it one of the most advanced long-haul aircraft on the market. It is used by airlines like Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines.
6. Boeing 777-200LR
The Boeing 777-200LR (Long Range) is a long-range, wide-body, twin-engine jet designed to carry large numbers of passengers on intercontinental flights. It’s known for its fuel efficiency and ability to fly nonstop over long distances.
Capacity
- Passengers: Up to 317 (in a two-class configuration)
- Cargo: 60 tons of freight
Key Features
- Length: 63.7 meters (209 feet 1 inch)
- Wingspan: 199 feet 11 inches
- Range: 15,843 kilometers (9,844 miles)
The 777-200LR is part of Boeing’s popular 777 family, renowned for its efficiency and comfort, and it’s often used by airlines for long-distance international flights.
7. McDonnell Douglas MD-11
The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 is a wide-body, three-engine jetliner that was produced in the late 1980s and 1990s. While it has been largely replaced by newer aircraft like the Boeing 777 and 787, it still serves as a cargo and passenger aircraft.
Capacity
- Passengers: Up to 410 (in a two-class configuration)
- Cargo: 80 tons of freight (in the freighter version)
Key Features
- Length: 68.4 meters (224 feet 8 inches)
- Wingspan: 51.7 meters (169 feet 8 inches)
- Range: 12,900 kilometers (8,000 miles)
The MD-11 was an important aircraft for both commercial and cargo airlines, known for its large hold and high capacity.
8. Lockheed C-130 Hercules
The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a military transport aircraft capable of carrying both passengers and heavy loads. It has been in service since 1956 and is one of the most versatile aircraft ever made, used by over 60 nations for both military and humanitarian purposes.
Capacity
- Cargo: 20 tons of cargo
- Dimensions: Able to carry oversized cargo, such as trucks and heavy equipment
Key Features
- Length: 29.8 meters (97 feet 9 inches)
- Wingspan: 40.4 meters (132 feet 7 inches)
- Range: 3,800 kilometers (2,361 miles)
The C-130 is capable of landing on short, unprepared airstrips, making it ideal for military operations.
9. Antonov An-124 Ruslan
The Antonov An-124 Ruslan is another massive cargo aircraft designed by the Ukrainian company Antonov. It is a versatile transport plane used for carrying oversized cargo to destinations around the globe.
Capacity
- Cargo: 150 tons of cargo
- Length: Capable of carrying large equipment such as turbines, vehicles, and machinery
Key Features
- Length: 69 meters (226 feet 8 inches)
- Wingspan: 73.3 meters (240 feet 6 inches)
- Range: 4,500 kilometers (2,800 miles)
The An-124 is known for its unique nose that can be raised for drive-on/drive-off loading, making it an excellent choice for transporting heavy and oversized cargo.
10. Boeing 747-400
The Boeing 747-400 is an older but still widely used version of the 747. It was developed as an improved version of the classic 747-100 and is capable of carrying both large numbers of passengers and cargo.
Capacity
Passengers: 416-524 (in a two-class configuration)
Cargo: 120 tons of freight
Key Features
- Length: 70.6 meters (231 feet 10 inches)
- Wingspan: 64.4 meters (211 feet 5 inches)
- Range: 13,450 kilometers (8,360 miles)
The Boeing 747-400 was a significant upgrade to the original 747, offering greater capacity, fuel efficiency, and range. It is widely used by both commercial airlines and cargo carriers for long-haul flights and transporting freight, and it remains a popular choice for operations that require a balance of passenger and cargo capacity.
Conclusion
The aircraft listed above represent the pinnacle of size and capacity in aviation. From the Airbus A380, which dominates the commercial airliner market, to the Antonov An-225, which is capable of carrying the heaviest and largest cargo ever flown, these aircraft showcase the diversity in design and functionality within the aerospace industry.
While the A380 remains the leader in passenger capacity, other planes like the Boeing 747 and Lockheed C-5 Super Galaxy excel in cargo transport, demonstrating the versatile applications of large aircraft. These giants of the sky will continue to play vital roles in both passenger travel and logistics well into the future.
