Top 10 Biggest Cargo Airplanes in the World
Table of Contents
Cargo airplanes are essential for transporting goods across long distances, and they play a crucial role in the global logistics network. These aircraft are designed to carry massive amounts of cargo, from industrial equipment to perishable goods, and even oversized machinery. Some of the world’s largest cargo airplanes are specifically designed for carrying enormous payloads and are a critical part of international shipping operations.
Below is a detailed look at the top 10 biggest cargo airplanes in the world, focusing on their size, payload capacity, and roles in global transportation.
1. Antonov An-225 Mriya
Maximum Payload: 250 metric tons (550,000 lbs)
Length: 84 meters (275 feet)
Wingspan: 88.4 meters (290 feet)
Height: 18.1 meters (59.4 feet)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 640 metric tons (1.4 million lbs)
Overview
The Antonov An-225 Mriya, a cargo airplane designed by the Ukrainian company Antonov, holds the record for being the largest and heaviest cargo aircraft in the world. Originally developed in the 1980s to transport the Soviet Union’s Buran space shuttle, the An-225 is a six-engine behemoth capable of carrying truly colossal loads. It is so large that it has only one operational unit in the world, which has been used for various transport missions involving oversized freight.
Key Features
- The An-225 can carry payloads of up to 250 metric tons, making it the most powerful cargo aircraft in existence.
- It has a unique design with a nose that can raise and lower to allow for the loading and unloading of large cargo directly onto the aircraft.
- The Antonov An-225 has been used for transporting large infrastructure components, heavy industrial machinery, and oversized items such as wind turbine blades.
Current Status
Due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the An-225 Mriya was damaged in 2022, but efforts are underway to rebuild it.
2. Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy
Maximum Payload: 135 metric tons (300,000 lbs)
Length: 75.3 meters (247 feet)
Wingspan: 67.9 meters (222 feet)
Height: 19.8 meters (65 feet)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 381 metric tons (840,000 lbs)
Overview
The Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy is a military cargo aircraft developed for the U.S. Air Force. This aircraft is one of the largest military transport planes in the world, and it’s specifically designed to carry oversized cargo for long distances. The C-5M is an upgraded version of the original C-5 Galaxy, featuring improved engines and advanced technology for more efficient and reliable performance.
Key Features
- The C-5M features a distinctive nose that can be raised to create a ramp for easier loading and unloading, allowing it to carry vehicles, large equipment, and even military tanks.
- It has a cargo hold that can accommodate items up to 121 feet in length, 19 feet in width, and 13 feet in height, making it ideal for large military operations and humanitarian missions.
- The C-5M can carry up to 135 metric tons of cargo, making it one of the heaviest-lifting military aircraft in service today.
Role in Global Cargo
While primarily a military asset, the C-5M also participates in humanitarian efforts and logistics operations worldwide.
3. Airbus A380 Freighter (Planned)
Maximum Payload: 150 metric tons (330,000 lbs)
Length: 72.7 meters (238 feet)
Wingspan: 79.75 meters (261.6 feet)
Height: 24.1 meters (79 feet)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 1,234 metric tons (2.72 million lbs)
Overview
While the Airbus A380 is known primarily as a passenger aircraft, it was originally planned to be developed into a freighter model. The Airbus A380 Freighter would have been one of the largest cargo aircraft ever built, capable of carrying enormous payloads and transporting oversized goods. Although the freighter version was canceled due to lack of demand, the aircraft remains one of the most significant cargo options for large commercial airlines.
Key Features
- The A380 Freighter was designed to carry up to 150 metric tons of cargo with a volume of 1,500 cubic meters of space, making it perfect for bulk shipping and oversized items.
- Its two full-length cargo holds could carry large pallets, containers, and items requiring special handling.
- The A380’s advanced design and spacious cabin would have allowed it to serve as a critical asset for the transportation of large commercial goods.
Status
Despite its cancellation, the Airbus A380 remains a key player in the global aviation industry, especially for commercial and cargo flights using its existing passenger versions.
4. Antonov An-124 Ruslan
Maximum Payload: 150 metric tons (330,000 lbs)
Length: 69 meters (226 feet)
Wingspan: 73 meters (239 feet)
Height: 20.8 meters (68 feet)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 405 metric tons (892,000 lbs)
Overview
The Antonov An-124 Ruslan is another heavyweight cargo aircraft from the Ukrainian manufacturer Antonov. The An-124 is one of the largest cargo planes in regular operation, used for transporting heavy and oversized cargo such as mining equipment, large machinery, and components for the energy and construction industries.
Key Features
- The An-124 has a nose that can be raised, allowing it to carry cargo that can be driven directly onto the plane via a ramp.
- Its cargo hold can accommodate items up to 36 meters long, 4.4 meters wide, and 4.4 meters high, making it ideal for large shipments.
- The aircraft is in high demand for the transportation of industrial equipment, aircraft parts, and other oversized freight.
Role in Global Cargo
The An-124 is often used by freight companies like Volga-Dnepr and is integral to international logistics, especially for industries requiring the transportation of heavy-duty items.
5. Boeing 747-8 Freighter
Maximum Payload: 140 metric tons (307,000 lbs)
Length: 76.3 meters (250 feet)
Wingspan: 68.4 meters (224.5 feet)
Height: 19.4 meters (63.6 feet)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 987 metric tons (2.18 million lbs)
Overview
The Boeing 747-8 Freighter is one of the largest and most advanced cargo aircraft in the world. It is the cargo version of the Boeing 747-8, the largest passenger aircraft made by Boeing. This aircraft is designed for high-efficiency cargo transport and is widely used by global freight operators for transporting a variety of goods, from electronics to automotive parts.
Key Features
- The 747-8 Freighter features a nose that can be raised for easy loading and unloading, and it can carry 140 metric tons of cargo.
- The aircraft’s spacious cargo hold has a volume of 30,288 cubic feet, making it capable of handling large, bulky items as well as containerized freight.
- It is often used by major global logistics companies like UPS, Lufthansa Cargo, and Cargolux for long-haul freight.
Role in Global Cargo
The 747-8 Freighter serves as a critical asset for long-haul cargo flights and is one of the most versatile freighters in operation today.
6. McDonnell Douglas KC-10 Extender
Maximum Payload: 78 metric tons (172,000 lbs)
Length: 57.9 meters (190 feet)
Wingspan: 60.9 meters (200 feet)
Height: 17.8 meters (58.4 feet)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 267 metric tons (587,000 lbs)
Overview
The McDonnell Douglas KC-10 Extender is a military aircraft used by the U.S. Air Force, originally designed for aerial refueling. However, it is also capable of carrying substantial cargo, making it a valuable asset for military logistics. The KC-10 can carry large amounts of cargo in addition to its refueling capabilities.
Key Features
- The KC-10 can carry oversized loads of up to 78 metric tons, including military supplies, equipment, and vehicles.
- It has a large cargo hold and the ability to carry both standard and oversized freight.
- The aircraft’s design is optimized for flexibility, able to perform both cargo and refueling missions.
Role in Global Cargo
While primarily a military asset, the KC-10 is also involved in humanitarian relief missions and disaster response efforts.
7. Airbus A300-600ST Beluga
Maximum Payload: 47 metric tons (104,000 lbs)
Length: 56.2 meters (184 feet)
Wingspan: 44.8 meters (147 feet)
Height: 18.9 meters (62 feet)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 155 metric tons (341,000 lbs)
Overview
The Airbus A300-600ST Beluga is a distinctive cargo aircraft designed to transport large and oversized items, particularly for the aerospace industry. It is an essential part of Airbus’s logistics network, used to move large components of aircraft, including fuselages, wings, and other parts between different production facilities. Its unique shape, with a bulbous belly, makes it one of the most recognizable cargo planes in the world.
Key Features
- The Beluga’s design allows for the transportation of oversized cargo, with the capacity to carry loads of up to 47 metric tons.
- It features a large, wide cargo hold that can accommodate items as long as 36 meters, with a height of 7.4 meters, allowing for the transport of large sections of aircraft.
- The aircraft has a distinctive nose that can be raised to create a ramp for loading and unloading, enabling it to carry loads that are too large for conventional cargo aircraft.
Role in Global Cargo
The Beluga is crucial for Airbus’s own operations but also occasionally used for transporting other oversized cargo, such as industrial equipment or machinery. Its large payload capacity and specialized design make it a vital tool in the aerospace and heavy transport industries.
8. Ilyushin Il-76
Maximum Payload: 50 metric tons (110,000 lbs)
Length: 46.6 meters (153 feet)
Wingspan: 50.5 meters (165 feet)
Height: 14.76 meters (48.4 feet)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 190 metric tons (418,000 lbs)
Overview
The Ilyushin Il-76 is a Russian military transport aircraft that is also widely used for civilian cargo operations. Known for its ability to carry heavy loads over long distances, the Il-76 is used by the Russian Air Force and other operators worldwide for both military and commercial cargo missions.
Key Features
- The Il-76 can carry up to 50 metric tons of cargo, making it suitable for transporting large and heavy items.
- The aircraft has a distinctive rear cargo door, allowing for easy loading and unloading of oversized items, particularly military vehicles and equipment.
- It has been used in a variety of roles, including humanitarian aid missions, military logistics, and transporting large machinery.
Role in Global Cargo
While originally designed as a military transport, the Il-76 is also frequently used by commercial freight operators, particularly in countries where Russian-made aircraft are common. It plays a key role in military logistics and emergency response situations, where rapid deployment of large payloads is essential.
9. Boeing 777 Freighter
Maximum Payload: 102 metric tons (224,000 lbs)
Length: 76.7 meters (252 feet)
Wingspan: 199 feet (60.9 meters)
Height: 61.5 feet (18.7 meters)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 347 metric tons (765,000 lbs)
Overview
The Boeing 777 Freighter is one of the most popular cargo aircraft used by major airlines worldwide. As a dedicated freighter, the Boeing 777F is based on the Boeing 777-200LR, and it offers a significant increase in payload capacity and range compared to previous aircraft models.
Key Features
- The 777 Freighter can carry up to 102 metric tons of cargo and has a spacious cargo hold with a volume of 26,000 cubic feet.
- It features a large main deck that can accommodate both standard and oversize containers, and it is used for a wide range of goods, including perishables, electronics, and machinery.
- The aircraft’s efficient design allows it to travel long distances without sacrificing payload, making it ideal for international cargo routes.
Role in Global Cargo
The Boeing 777 Freighter is widely used by logistics giants like FedEx and Emirates SkyCargo, providing a key link in global trade. Its size and range make it ideal for long-haul international freight transport.
10. Airbus A310-300F Freighter
Maximum Payload: 39 metric tons (86,000 lbs)
Length: 46.7 meters (153 feet)
Wingspan: 43.9 meters (144 feet)
Height: 16.8 meters (55 feet)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 170 metric tons (374,000 lbs)
Overview
The Airbus A310-300F is the freighter version of the Airbus A310, a medium-range, wide-body aircraft. Though smaller than the larger freighters on this list, the A310-300F is a versatile cargo plane with a solid payload capacity, making it a favorite for regional and short to medium-haul cargo routes.
Key Features
- The A310-300F can carry up to 39 metric tons of cargo, with a large cargo hold that allows for flexible loading and unloading of various types of freight.
- It features a side cargo door for easy access, and the aircraft can accommodate large cargo containers or oversized items, albeit on a smaller scale compared to the largest freighters.
- The A310-300F is highly efficient, offering both cargo capacity and operational flexibility for medium-range routes.
Role in Global Cargo
The A310-300F is used by several airlines and cargo operators for regional and medium-haul international cargo flights, offering a versatile solution for transporting everything from general freight to specialized cargo.
Conclusion
These top 10 biggest cargo airplanes are at the forefront of global logistics, enabling the fast and efficient movement of goods, whether it’s large machinery, industrial components, or emergency supplies. From the massive Antonov An-225 to versatile aircraft like the Boeing 777 Freighter and Airbus A310-300F, each of these planes has carved out a niche in the air cargo industry. Their ability to transport heavy, oversized, or time-sensitive freight is vital to the functioning of global trade, and they continue to play an essential role in supporting economies worldwide.
