Top 10 Biggest Commercial Aircraft Ever Built 

When the Antonov An-225 Mriya was destroyed in the Russia-Ukraine War in the Battle of Antonov Airport, it was a hard blow to a lot of aviation lovers. This is because only one of the An-225 has ever been built. This weighed an incredible 285,000 kilograms, making it one of the biggest aircraft. But it wasn’t a commercial one, or with more than a century of records; it would have easily fitted in the list of the biggest commercial aircraft ever. And so would have the whale-ish Airbus Beluga.

While the An-225 was built to transport spacecraft, the Beluga’s purpose was to transport Airbus’ parts from one of its facilities to another—hence its out-of-the-ordinary shape. A passenger aircraft, on the other hand, comes in unobtrusive shapes and sizes. Commercial aircraft might refer to airplanes designed either solely for transporting passengers or fully for cargo or a combination of both.

Each is designed sometimes to optimize flow, at others with fuel efficiency in mind, while sometimes considering a whole corpus of other considerations, such as achieving maximum speeds, as was the case of the Concorde, the Tupolev Tu-144, or other supersonic aircraft. Most are designed with a deliberation of all these matters together. Let’s take a look at the 10 biggest commercial aircraft ever built.

Before diving deep into it, let us know some interesting facts about commercial aircraft:

Some Things About Commercial Aircraft You Might Not Know

• The inaugural commercial flight occurred on January 1, 1914, when a Benoist XIV airplane flown by the St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat Line journeyed from St. Petersburg, Florida, to Tampa, Florida.

• In 1938, Boeing introduced the Boeing 307 Stratoliner, the first commercial airplane to have a pressurized cabin. Such pressure consideration allowed the aircraft to take off even in bad weather.

• During the Second World War, many civilian airlines were adapted into military transport aircraft to assist the war effort.

Top 10 Biggest Commercial Aircraft Ever Built for Passengers.

10. Boeing 777-9

The Boeing 777-9, capacious enough for 426 passengers, first hit the skies in 2020. It is a variant of Boeing’s best-selling widebody aircraft– the Boeing 777. Boeing 777-9, along with the Boeing 777-8, fall under the umbrella of the Boeing 777x- which is set to become the world’s largest and most efficient twin-engine jet. Boeing has even projected that the 777x will cut down on fuel use and emissions by as much as 10 percent.

In February 2024, Boeing 777X conducted a test flight at the picturesque Colorado Springs Airport. The 777X, which faced prototyping delays also has had a setback in terms of its certification, though it is expected to be certified by 2025. There is an even larger variant of the 777-9 called the 777-10x, which would have 4 more rows than the 777-9 and might become the world’s longest commercial aircraft. So far, 11 airlines have ordered as many as 453 777Xs.

Capacity and features:

Boeing 777-9 has a range of 8,700 nautical miles. The airplane’s foldable wingtips allow it to fit into more airport gates while maintaining a longer wingspan of 235 feet. The Airbus A380 was classified as the largest in the world putting restraints on the airports it operates in. However, the foldable wings of the 777-9 fall in the second group of the largest aircraft as deemed by the Airport Designed Group(ADG) allowing it to operate in more airports.

The 777-9 has a digital flight deck and fly-by-wire control systems. The use of GE9X engines, which are the largest and most fuel-efficient engines produced by GE Aviation, allows Boeing to cut down on the emission of the 777-9 by 10 % in comparison with the other variants of the 777 series.

Interesting Facts:

• Originally planned to debut in 2019, the Boeing 777-9 was delayed amidst structural failures during the stress tests.

• The aircraft’s folding wingtips increase its wingspan by about 23 feet, but they can be retracted during flight to enhance fuel efficiency by reducing drag.

• The GE9X engines used on the 777-9 which have 3D-printed parts to enhance efficiency and reduce weight, produce 134,300 pounds of thrust- a world record.

Emirates and Qatar Airways have placed the largest order of the 777x. The aircraft is priced at $425.8 million.

Notable Accidents involving 777-9

• The 777-9 has been devoid of accidents involving fatalities.

9. Airbus A 340-500

The Airbus A340-500 first took to the skies on 11 February 2002, while its certification came on 3 December 2002. In a three-class layout, it is capacious for 313 passengers while it can accommodate 440 passengers in a single-class layout. The range of this aircraft is 9,000 nautical miles.

Dubai based Emirates was the first customer of the A 340-500. Emirates was also the largest operator the A340-500 with a total of 10 orders but retired this aircraft in 2015. In 2011, the cost of an Airbus A340-500 was 261.8 million dollars. In 2023, an aviation website claimed that there were no scheduled passenger operations of the Airbus A340-500. Airbus had ceased the production of the 340-500 in 2012.

Capacity and features

The A340-500 was built keeping ultra-long routes in mind. However due to poor jet-fuel efficiency, many airlines decided to do away with the A340-500.

Interesting facts about the Airbus A340-500

• The A340-500 was the world’s longest-range commercial airliner when it was introduced.

• An A340-500 operated by Singapore Airlines had “Corpse Cupboards”, in case there be any people who lost their lives during a flight.

• The then-longest flight route between Singapore and the US was also operated on an Airbus A340-500.

Notable Accidents involving Airbus A340-500

• On 20 March 2009, Emirates Flight 407 from Auckland to Dubai suffered an accident but had no fatalities. The pilot said that the aircraft was perilously close to death. A miscalculation of the maximum take-off weight of the aircraft had caused the tail to hit the ground several times. It led to a damage of $100 million.

8. Airbus A 340-300

The Airbus A340-300 is a long-haul aircraft designed to accommodate approximately 250 to 300 passengers in a standard three-class layout, making it ideal for transcontinental flights. Additionally, it can accommodate 440 passengers in a single-class layout.

Renowned for its impressive range capabilities, the A340-300 can traverse vast distances non-stop, thanks to its efficient fuel consumption and aerodynamic design. Powered by four CFM International CFM56-5C engines, this aircraft offers enhanced safety and reliability, instilling confidence in passengers and operators alike. Additionally, the A340-300 boasts generous cargo space, facilitating the transportation of goods and supplies across continents.

Capacity and Features

The Airbus A340-300 accommodates 250 to 300 passengers, excelling in long-haul travel with its impressive range and four CFM56-5C engines. It offers ample cargo space and advanced avionics for enhanced safety and comfort, making it a preferred choice for transcontinental flights.

Interesting facts about the Airbus A340-300

• The Airbus A340-300 was the first variant of the A340 series, introduced in 1993, and quickly gained popularity for its long-haul capabilities and spacious cabin layout.

• Its range of over 13,700 kilometers (8,500 miles) is well-suited for transcontinental and intercontinental flights.

•  The A340-300 has also been utilized for special missions, such as government VIP transport and military aerial refueling, highlighting its versatility and adaptability beyond commercial passenger service.

Notable Accidents involving Airbus A340-300

• On July 2, 1997, Vietnam Airlines Flight 815, an Airbus A340-300, crashed while attempting to land during poor weather conditions at Phnom Penh International Airport in Cambodia. The aircraft overran the runway, resulting in the loss of 64 lives out of the 238 passengers and crew on board.

• On November 24, 2001, Crossair Flight 3597, operated by an Airbus A340-300, crashed in a wooded area near Bassersdorf, Switzerland, shortly after takeoff from Zurich Airport. The accident was attributed to pilot error, resulting in the loss of all 24 passengers and crew members on board.

7. Airbus A 330-300 (440 passengers)

With a record of 5 hours and 15 minutes maiden flight on 2 November 1992, successful testing, the A330-300 soared through a large number of testing areas, covering a variety of speeds, heights, and configurations with landing gear raised and lowered, pushing the edge of stalling.

A330- 300 undergoes continuous advancements given the love of its investors, persistently funding, for better operability of the aircraft. A recent enhancement is its increased maximum take-off weight of 242.000 tonnes, which allows the aircraft longer air time and range of 6,350 nautical miles, which is 500 extra nautical miles than its previous version.

Capacity and Features

With a maximum cabin width of 5.26 m and cabin length of 50.36m, A 330-300 can board up to 440 passengers in a standard configuration or 250-290 per class in a three-class layout.  Stretched A300 fuselage but with new wings, stabilizers, and fly-by-wire systems, the aircraft’s wing is swept back at 30 degrees.

The first of the engines in the Rolls-Royce Trent family, the Trent 700’s lightweight, hollow titanium wide-chord fan ensures low noise, making the A330- 300 one of the quietest airliners in the skies.

Interesting Facts

• The recent advancement in take-off weight allows A330-300 to connect cities like London- Tokyo, Beijing- Melbourne, Frankfurt- Capetown, Kuala Lumpur- Paris, and Los Angeles- Dublin.

• A330-300 is the first Airbus aircraft to be supplied engines from Rolls-Royce 

Notable Accidents Involving A 330-300

• During a ‘one-engine-off-worst-case-scenario’ test flight on 30 June 1994, two pilots on board failed to set off the autopilot. Coupled this error with slow crew response, poor coordination, and incorrect action on the pilots’ behalf resulted in a crash.

• A Libyan Airliners A330, which sustained two bullets, was hijacked on 15 July 2014.

6. Boeing 777-200

The Boeing 777-200 is the largest twinjet wide-body manufactured in the United States by Boeing. Its active variants include the 777-200 ER (extended range), the 777-200 LR (long range), and the 777-200 F (the freighter version). Pakistan International AIrlines was the first carrier to fly the Boeing 777-200. United Airlines operates the oldest Boeing 777-200 in the world.

In 2021, the list price of a Boeing-200ER was $261.5 million (2021). The 777-200 has a range of  9,700 km. Boeing stopped the marketing of the 777-200 in 2019. United Airlines and All Nippon Airways still operate them.

Capacity and Features:

The Boeing 777-200 can carry 314 to 396 passengers ina  two or three-class layout while the maximum possible passenger seats is of 440.  It is powered by 3 types of engines or propulsion options. They are manufactured by General Electric, Pratt & Whitney and Rolls-Royce. It has a maximum fuel capacity of 117,348 liters. It has a cabin width of 5.87m.

Notable Accidents involving the Boeing 777-200:

• On July 6, 2013, an Asiana Airlines Flight 214 while landing at San Francisco International Airport crashed, as a result of which 3 people on-board died.

• The most astonishing mystery of the aviation industry- the disappearance of the MH 370 operated by Malaysian Airlines involved Boeing 777-200.

• Malaysia Airlines Flight 17, which was a 777-200 ER was shot down by Russian forces as the aircraft was flying over Eastern Ukraine. All 298 people inside the aircraft were killed.

5. Airbus A340-600

The Airbus A340-600 is the largest-capacity member of the Aibus A340 family.  It made its debut in 2001. It has a length of around 75.36 meters (246 feet). One of the longest flights in the world, from New York, JFK to Bangkok (13,965 km (8,677 mi), used to take place on the Airbus A240-600. Only 97 of these were ever made, with only 33 340-600s currently operating.

Capacity and Features:

The A340-600 can carry 320 to 370 passengers in a three-class arrangement, while on a high-density layout, 475 passengers can board the aircraft. It has a cabin width of 5.287 m (208.15 in), while its outside width is 5.64 m (18.5 ft). It is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 500 engines.

Interesting facts about the Airbus A340-600

• It is the second-longest aircraft in the world.

Notable Accidents involving the Airbus A340-600

• Iberia Airlines Flight 6463, which took off on 9th November 2007, was damaged beyond repair as it slid off the runway at Mariscal Sucre International Airport.

• A few violations related to safety checks during a 2006 test flight led to an A340-600 crash in Toulouse.

4. Boeing 777-300

Boeing 777-300 is the largest twin-engine passenger aircraft in the world. Cathay Pacific was the launch operator of the 777-300, which was stretched 33ft (10.1 meters) compared to the earlier versions of the 777. This gives it leverage of 60 more, i.e., 370 in tri-class, 451 in two classes, or up to 550 in a single configuration. The success of the 777-200 had led Boeing to manufacture an aircraft that could carry more passengers.

Out of the  1,718 deliveries of the 777s,  832 (46.8%) comprised of the 777-300ER variant. The non-ER variant sold only 60  units, and only 10 are active. These are operated by All Nippon Airways, Korean Air, Russia, Southwind Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Nigeria’s Air Peace, and Alexandria Airlines.

Capacity and features

Notable Accidents

• On 3 August 2016, Emirates Flight 521 (EK521/UAE521)  carrying 282 passengers and 18 crew aboard survived a crash landing at Dubai International Airport. The only human casualty was a firefighter who had lost his life. Emirates handed down a compensation of US$ 7,000 for all 282 passengers. This included  $2,000 for loss of luggage while the remaining $5,000 was other damages. The accident was the only hull loss damage of Emirates.

3. Boeing 747-400

A four-engine passenger plane developed as an upgrade to the original 747 models, the Boeing 747-400, was built in 1989, entered service in 1991, and could accommodate up to 416 passengers in a three-class layout. In a two-class configuration, 568 passengers can fit the 747-400 while on a single-class configuration single-class layout. it can It was the first of the 747 series which did not require a flight engineer to be a part of the flight crew.

The wingspan, length, and height of the 747-400 were respectively 3.5 meters (68 meters), 5.6 meters (76 meters), and 10 centimeters taller (19.4 meters), smaller than the 747-800 variant. The 400 variant had 51 fewer seats than the -800. Though the -800 trumped the -400 in terms of line maintenance and hangar maintenance hours (1000 hrs vs. 600 hrs; 10,000 fight hrs, 24 months vs. 500 flight hours, 18 months), it couldn’t beat the -400 in the number of orders placed: more than 800 of the latter were made.

Capacity and Features:

The 747-400 comes with a digital flight deck and advanced avionics- two things that made the -400 stand out during its time.

Interesting Facts:

• The 747-400 was revolutionary in its time, as it was the first commercial aircraft to incorporate an electronic flight deck, which allowed for a reduced crew of just two pilots.

• Due to its impressive wingspan, the 747 400’s wings must be bent upwards during assembly to fit inside the manufacturing facility.

• The 747-400 has been retrofitted to become the biggest firefighting aircraft. It can accommodate 19,000 US gallons/ 72,000 liters) of water.

• The Covid-19 pandemic hastened the retirement of the Boeing 747-400.

• One of the 747-400 operated by Virgin Atlantic was used by Virgin Galactic to launch the smallest orbiter, LauncherOne, into space.

Notable Accidents involving the Boeing 747-400

• On 31 October 2000, Singapore Airlines Flight 006, operating a Boeing 747-400 crashed, killing 83 of the 179 people aboard. The aircraft had lined up on the closed runway of the Chang-Kai Sak airport in Taiwan. Coupled with the wrong positioning of the aircraft were strong crosswinds, low visibility, and a slippery runway- all of which had subtly affected the accident.

• On September 3, 2010, a cargo flight operated by UPS Airlines crashed two crew, who were the only ones on board. It was found that the thousands of lithium batteries placed in the cargo self-ignited. After this accident, the FAA put a limit on the number of Lithium batteries on a passenger aircraft.

2. Boeing 747-8

Boeing’s historic 747 was often referred to as the ‘Queen of the Skies,’ and was the first twin-aisle airplane in the world. 1,571 orders of the 747 were made, making it the second most widely ordered jet- only next to Boeing’s 777. 747 completed nearly 23 million flight cycles and 118 million flight hours. The 747-8 was the largest of the 747s. The 747-8 comes in two variations: the passenger version, known as the 747-8 Intercontinental, and the cargo version, known as the 747-8 Freighter.

To put the 747-8I in comparison with the biggest commercial aircraft ever: developing the 747-8I cost $4 billion while Airbus expenses for the development of the A380 equalled $16 billion. The 747-8I was equipped with several upgrades or “stretches” from the previous versions of the 747, such as the Boeing 747-400. The upgrades included longer fuselage, improved wings, engines, and avionics.

Capacity and features:

The 747-8 has a seating capacity of up to 605 passengers in a standard configuration and can travel over 8,000 nautical miles. It also has a wingspan of 68.5 meters, ranking it amongst the wider planes in operation. It is powered by four General Electric GEnx-2B engines, making it more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly than earlier models.

Interesting facts:

• Compared to earlier models of the 747, the 747-8 boasts a longer upper deck that provides more room for both passengers and cargo.

• The 747-8’s engines are 3.35-meter in diameter. To enhance passenger comfort, the 747-8’s cabin utilizes advanced LED lighting technology, which can be adjusted to simulate different times of the day.

• These features contribute to the 747-8’s reputation as a modern, innovative aircraft with exceptional capabilities.

Amidst the plummeting demand for four-engine airliners, Boeing’s intentions to end 747 production in 2022 surfaced. Most orders for the 747-8 were for the freighter version as a capacity of over 132,000 kg of the freighter 747-8 made it the third highest-capacity cargo aircraft in the world(only behind the An-124 and An-225). But the fact that the 747-8 sold so less (155 orders in total), means that it is perceived as a commercial failure.

Notable Accidents involving Boeing 747-8

• Just like the biggest commercial aircraft in the world, the Second biggest – the Boeing 747-8  also did not experience any fatalities.

1. Airbus A380-800 good

The Airbus A380-800 has two decks, a wide body, and a wingspan that is almost the length of a football field. It was launched by the European company Airbus in 2007 and is the only full-length double-deck jet airliner. Its sumptuous amenities, such as bars, lounges, and in-flight entertainment systems, make it an excellent choice for long-haul flights.

When it was first operated by Singapore Airlines, people were in awe of the A380 which had 50% more floor space than the next biggest plane. Since then, the A380 has flown more than 300 million passengers in over 800,000 flights.

The list price of an A380 is approximately $450 million. The largest customer of the A380 of which 250 units have been produced, is the Emirates, which alone has more than 120 units of these. When it was decided that Airbus would cease its production in 2021, the CEO of Airbus, Thomas Enders, was quoted in the APF:

“If you have a product that nobody wants anymore, or you can sell only below production cost, you have to stop it.”

Capacity and features:

The A380 can accommodate up to 853 passengers in a single-class layout or up to 525 passengers in a three-class configuration. A fly-by-wire flight control system, advanced avionics, and noise-reducing technology make it one of the quietest large planes flying today. It is powered by four engines, usually Rolls-Royce Trent 900 or General Electric GE90 engines, and has a range of 8,000 nautical miles.

Interesting Facts:

• Its fuel capacity equals 210 family cars’ fuel tanks.

• The aircraft’s cockpit has a sophisticated camera system that offers pilots a complete 360-degree view of the plane, making navigation easier during takeoff and landing.

• The A380-800’s landing gear includes a record-breaking 22 wheels. However, the aircraft requires specific airport facilities, such as wider taxiways, longer runways, and more spacious parking areas due to its size and weight.

Two models of the A380, the A380-800, and the A380F, were made. The latter was the freighter version, which could carry 150 tons of cargo over 10,400 km. A proposed variant, the A380-900 stretch, could carry up to 960 passengers in an all-economy configuration. But it never materialized.

Notable Accidents involving the Airbus A380-800

•  For all its hundreds of thousands of flights, the A380-800 never saw fatalities nor hull loss accidents.

 

P.S.: Deepika Neupane and Sudeep Adhikari made some contributions to the article.