With the demand to transport millions of passengers across the globe on a daily basis, commercial airplanes have gotten larger over time to meet this demand. With the Airbus A380-800 being the largest commercial airplane in the world, below is a list of the top 10 largest commercial airplanes in the world.
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Every year more and more individuals and business professional travel by plane to various destinations across the globe. Airplane manufacturers and other airline professionals are constantly seeking out ways to accommodate this very large volume of growing passengers.
Airline professionals are looking for new and innovative ways to increase space, configure seats in non-traditional ways, streamline schedules, and a host of other ways to accommodate its passengers.
With more than 4 billion passengers that traveled by air in 2017 according to the 62nd Annual Report released by the International Air Transport Association, a new travel record was set that year as a result.
However, airplane manufacturers that create exceptionally large planes are fortunate enough to accommodate a much larger number of people at one time, and without sacrificing space or overall comfort.
Below is a list of the largest passenger planes in the world at the time of this writing. They are responsible for meeting the demand of the growing traveling population.
10. Airbus A330-300
The Airbus A333-300 seats a total of 393 passengers, 296 are available in the main cabin, 46 are available in the Delta Comfort cabin and 34 are available in Delta One cabin. The Airbus A333-300 also provides key amenities such as Wi-Fi, USB Ports, In-Seat Power Outlets, Satellite TVs’, Personal Videos and a Flatbed.
The Airbus A333-300 can travel at a range of up to 5,343 miles. It has two turbofan engines, a 197 foot 10 inches wingspan and its cruising speed is 532 mph. For safety reasons, the Airbus A333-300 does not permit child seats in the Delta One cabin.
There is very little legroom in economy class and sitting in an aisle seat pretty much guarantees that someone will hit your shoulder each time they pass by. Additionally, the overhead space in the cabin area could also be roomier. Other than that, the Airbus A333-300 offers a relatively pleasant experience.
9. Airbus A340-300
The Airbus A340-300 was first introduced to the marketplace in 1993 and was manufactured in France. It is a 295 passenger plane that has both first and economy class seating accommodations. It seats 267 passengers in economy class and offers 28 first-class seating.
The Airbus A340-300 is 209 feet long and its wingspan is 198 feet. It’s made with a CFM International CFM 56 engine and can reach speeds of up to 567 mph. Even though the Airbus A340-300 has been known to have very tight seating and very little legroom, they’ve been known for having above-average customer service, check-in, and boarding.
8. Airbus A340-500
The Airbus A340-500 is a passenger airplane that was put into the marketplace in 2006, although there were some initial deliveries as early as 2002. It was manufactured in France and seats 372 passengers in its single-class seat arrangement and 313 passengers in its double class system.
This plane is 223 feet long and can travel distances of up to 10,358 miles. It has also held the title of having the world’s longest range in commercial airlines until the Boeing 777–200LR was introduced into the marketplace.
The Airbus A340-500 has an unimpressive exterior and its gear and initial performance are a bit sluggish at the time of this writing. However, this plane is known for providing comfort and high-efficiency during the worlds longest nonstop travel routes. The A340-500 combines both performance and comfort to its passengers.
7. Airbus A350-900
The Airbus A350-900 is a wide-body, 325 seat passenger plane that is part of the new generation of aircraft made by Airbus. The A350-900 is one of its different configurations that provide long-distance routes of up to 19 hours and is said to fly further than any other known commercial plane in the world. This newer model was first put into the market place in January 2015.
The Airbus A350-900 has a maximum seating capacity to accommodate 440 passengers and its wingspan is 212.43 feet. This plane is mostly used by Qatar Airways and Philippine Airlines. It has seven cabin temperature zones to assist with a more precise climate control while one board.
The Airbus A350-900 has better fuel efficiency because it’s 25% lighter than some of the older planes, it was made using plastic components. This plane is loaded with conveniences and comfort; from advanced technology to spaciousness and extra legroom. As of this writing, this plane has only received high reviews.
Airbus now also manufacturer the A350-1000 which is 7 meters longer with increased capacity in terms of passengers and payload.
6. Boeing 777-200LR
Manufactured in the United States, the Boeing 777-200LR is a 440 passenger plane. It can accommodate 400 passengers in its two-class system and a total of 40 passengers in its single-class system. It has a 212 foot seven inches wingspan.
The primary users of this plane are United Airlines and British Airways. This widebody plane had its first initial flight in March 2005 and can fly up to 9,400 miles. Although their IFE screen is quite small and they have a really low definition, this plane offers a streaming portal, TV shows on the Delta Studio as well as a wide selection of movies.
Their meals were said to be a bit below average, however, they did offer a wide selection of snacks. They have a great cabin, but it could use some retrofitting. Overall, the interior of the Boeing 777-200LR has been completely overhauled and it provides great flying experience.
5. Airbus A340-600
The A340-600 is a part of the Airbus’ A340 Family and is the largest of all other members in this series. This plane is 247 feet long and has a wingspan of 208 feet. The Airbus A340-600 can accommodations up to 320 to 370 passengers in their normal seating capacity, and up to 475 in their high-density seating capacity. The Airbus A340-600 can be used for commercial, corporate or government travel.
The Airbus A340-600 offers state-of-the-art technologies that include an aerodynamic design known to save on fuel, weight-saving composite structures, cockpits that are pilot-friendly, along with flight controls and systems. It is made with a Rolls-Royce Trent 500 Engine and can travel up to 9,072 miles. Its cruise speed is 547 mph and its top speed can reach up to 567mph.
The legroom in the economy cabin is tight for some passengers. Particularly those who are taller and require more legroom. The seating is also somewhat uncomfortable as well, but the customer service and the food were above average compared to other airlines.
4. Boeing 777-300
The Boeing 777-300 was manufactured in the United States. It is a passenger plane and has a seating capacity that accommodates 550 people in a single-class cabin and 451 in a two-class configuration. It has a travel range of 6,013 miles and can reach top speeds at 590 mph.
The Boeing 777 300 is 242 feet long, which is 33.25 ft longer than the earlier versions in this series and is known as the Stretched 777-300. Its wingspan is 200 and it is equipped with either the General Electric GE90, Pratt & Whitney PW4000 or the Rolls-Royce Trent 800 engines.
The Boeing 777 300 is a part of a group of planes within the 777 series that are collectively referred to as the 777 Classics. The seating on the Boeing 777-300 however, is not the most comfortable and passengers have challenges reclining comfortably as well.
3. Boeing 747-400
The Boeing 747-400 was made by Boeing in the United States. This wide-body passenger plane was derived from one of the earlier 747. It can accommodate 416 passengers in their three-class cabin, 524 passengers in their two-class cabin and 660 in their an all-economy cabin.
The Boeing 747-400 is 232 feet long. It has a travel range of up to 7,260 miles, its wingspan is 211 feet and it can reach top speeds of 614 mph. It was somewhat difficult to enjoy the entertainment because the older model planes have small video screens. Also, the crew on the longer fights had less than average customer service; but overall, the Boeing 747-400 provides enjoyable flights.
2. Boeing 747-8
The Boeing 747-8 is a wide-body passenger plane that was manufactured in the United States by Boeing Commercial Airplanes. In 2005, the plane was officially announced to the marketplace. The Boeing 747-8 can accommodate 700 passengers when following the single-class system, and 600 passengers when following the double-class configuration. The plane’s travel range is 8,000 miles.
This plane is a third generation of the 747 series. It has a new General Electric GEnx engine and redesigned wings. It can reach top speeds of 614 mph and is 250 feet long. Its range consists of 9,320.6 miles and its wingspan is 225 feet.
This main cabin was louder and offered less privacy and more foot traffic than the other cabins. The size of the economy class seats makes it difficult for passengers to sit comfortably. Additionally, the entertainment system had a great selection of video games, movies, TV shows, music, and entertainment, but because the control panel was on the armrest, it was easy for passengers to unintentionally change channels which caused a disruption’
1. Airbus A380-800
The Airbus A380-800 was made in France as a passenger plane with the capacity to accommodate 853 passengers in a single class cabin and 644 in a two-tiered class cabin. This wide-body plane has a travel range of 8,208 miles and had its first flight on April 27th, 2005. It can cruise at an altitude of 43,100 feet and its maximum range is 8,000 miles.
The Airbus A380-800 is the largest passenger plane in the world. It is also the world’s heaviest passenger plane as well, and understandably so. It was made with two decks and can accommodate more than 500 passengers in one of its four seating classes. The four different seating classes consist of first-class, business class, premium economy, and economy class. It also includes a Rolls Royce Trent 900 engine.
Singapore Airlines was the first passenger airline to fly the Airbus A380-800, the world’s largest commercial airplane. The Airbus A380-800 has been known for setting the standard in a variety of areas, such as for comfort, top of the line technology, amenities and performance.
Despite the Airbus A380-800 being the largest passenger plane in the world, its makers recently announced that they would be retiring the aircraft in 2021. The reason behind its retirement is because Emirates is reducing its order and the same is projected for the coming years. Therefore, the program is no longer sustainable according to its manufacturers Airbus.
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