Biggest Plane in the World: Types, Features, and Fascinating Facts

December 19, 2024

1 3 minutes read

The idea of the largest plane in the world has always astounded both engineers and aviation aficionados. These aviation titans, which range from the powerful Antonov An-225 Mriya to the passenger-friendly Airbus A380, represent the height of human engineering and creativity. If you’re prepared to embark on this adventure, let’s examine the biggest planes in the world.

What is the Biggest Plane in the World in 2024?

Experts determine the largest aircraft in the world based on its physical size, cargo capacity, or passenger capacity.

1. Antonov An-225 Mriya (Cargo Plane)

Length: 84 m (276 ft)
Wingspan: 88.4 m (290 ft)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 640,000 kg (1,410,958 lbs)
Payload: Over 250,000 kg (551,000 lbs)

Engineers constructed the Antonov An-225 Mriya as the biggest airplane ever in terms of length and payload capacity. Regretfully, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine in 2022 destroyed it.

2. Airbus A380 (Passenger Plane)

Length: 72.7 m (238 ft)
Wingspan: 79.8 m (262 ft)
Passenger Capacity: Up to 853 passengers

In 2024, the Airbus A380 will be the biggest passenger aircraft in service. Designers made this two-story airplane renowned for its first-class suites, onboard lounges, and opulent cabins.

Top 10 Biggest Planes in the World

The ten biggest planes ever constructed, ranked by size, wingspan, or payload capacity, are as follows:

Rank	Aircraft	Type	Notable Features
1	Antonov An-225 Mriya	Cargo	Largest and heaviest plane ever built
2	Airbus A380	Passenger	Largest passenger plane in the world
3	Boeing 747-8	Passenger/Cargo	Iconic “Queen of the Skies”
4	Stratolaunch Roc	Launch Vehicle	Largest wingspan (117m)
5	Lockheed C-5 Galaxy	Military Cargo	US military’s largest cargo plane
6	Antonov An-124 Ruslan	Cargo	2nd largest Antonov cargo plane
7	Boeing 777-9X	Passenger	Longest passenger aircraft
8	Airbus Beluga XL	Cargo	Specialized for large cargo transport
9	Boeing Dreamlifter	Cargo	Transports Boeing aircraft parts
10	Ilyushin Il-76	Cargo	Russian cargo plane with large payload

Biggest Cargo Plane in the World

1. Antonov An-225 Mriya

Status: Destroyed in 2022
Payload: 250,000 kg (551,000 lbs)

Engineers designed this airplane to carry heavy loads, such as spacecraft, military tanks, and supplies for the needy. It was a unique aircraft with no competitors in terms of size or capability.

2. Antonov An-124 Ruslan

Payload: 150,000 kg (330,693 lbs)
Purpose: Heavy cargo transport

It is still one of the biggest cargo aircraft in operation, despite being smaller than the An-225.

Biggest Passenger Plane in the World

1. Airbus A380

Passenger Capacity: 853 passengers (all economy class)
Luxury Features: Onboard lounges, first-class suites, and double-decker seating

Known for its immense capacity and luxurious in-flight amenities, the Airbus A380 is a flying marvel.

2. Boeing 747-8

Passenger Capacity: 467 passengers
Notable Feature: The upper deck “hump” for premium cabins

Despite being smaller than the A380, the Boeing 747-8 is nevertheless associated with long-haul and premium travel.

3. Boeing 777-9X

Passenger Capacity: 426 passengers
Specialty: The world’s longest passenger aircraft

With its increased capacity and enhanced fuel efficiency, the 777-9X is poised to become the aircraft of the future.

Fascinating Facts About the Biggest Planes

Largest Wingspan: The Stratolaunch Roc is the largest in terms of wingspan, at 117 meters (385 feet).
Only One of Its Kind: There were no two Antonov An-225 Mriyas, making it a unique aircraft.
Passenger Capacity: With a capacity of 853 people, the Airbus A380 is the world’s largest passenger aircraft.

Conclusion

Human desire and engineering skill are demonstrated by the competition to create the largest plane in the world. The Airbus A380 is currently the largest passenger aircraft in operation, however the Antonov An-225 Mriya is still considered legendary. Future aircraft, such as the Boeing 777-9X, offer longer, more efficient flights as technology develops.

The biggest airplanes in the world are a representation of human progress and potential, regardless of whether you’re more interested in opulent passenger aircraft or enormous cargo jets.

Read articles on the fastest planes in the world or the most opulent airplane cabins if you’re ready to learn more about aviation.

Which aircraft, the Airbus A380 or the Antonov An-225 Mriya, most intrigues you? Tell us in the comments section below!

FAQs

What is the largest passenger plane in the world in 2024?

With a maximum capacity of 853 people, the Airbus A380 will be the biggest passenger aircraft in the world in 2024.

Can a plane carry 1000 passengers?

There isn’t a plane in operation right now that can accommodate 1,000 people. With 853 seats, the Airbus A380 has the most capacity.

Is the A380 the biggest plane?

Although the Antonov An-225 Mriya was greater in size and cargo capacity, the Airbus A380 is still the largest passenger aircraft in operation.

How many Antonov An-225 planes are left?

There was only ever one Antonov An-225 Mriya, and it was demolished in 2022. Reconstruction activities are still underway.

Which plane has the biggest wingspan?

With a wingspan of 117 meters (385 feet), the Stratolaunch Roc is the record holder for the greatest wingspan.