A massive airplane is much like a massive ship—the journey begins with the first step onto the boarding stairs. Here we encounter power and size that are awe-inspiring in themselves, but these aerial giants have even more surprises in store. Welcome to the Top Ten Largest Airplanes in the World by Wingspan!
1 Carrier Aircraft Stratolaunch Model 351 – 117.3 meters
This aircraft is designed for launching space rockets, with a wingspan that exceeds other entries on our list by more than 30 meters. It can take off with a mass of 590 tons. In January 2019, during tests, the aircraft reached takeoff speed.
2 Hughes H-4 Hercules – 97.5 meters
Nicknamed the “Spruce Goose,” this plane was actually made of birch wood. It is the largest seaplane in the world and was the largest airplane until 2017. The “flying boat” could carry up to 750 soldiers and was created by Howard Hughes for the U.S. government during World War II.
3 An-225 “Mriya” – 88.4 meters
The largest cargo plane in the world was created by the Antonov Design Bureau in 1988. Only one unit was built according to the project, although two were initially planned. Its maximum takeoff weight is 640 tons, the highest in the world. As you probably know, Russians destroy this airplane in February 2022 during offensive to Ukraine.
4 Airbus A380-800 – 79.8 meters
This double-decker airliner is the largest among civilian passenger planes. It can accommodate around 525 passengers in its comfortable seats. The largest fleet of Airbus A380s is in the United Arab Emirates, with 109 planes.
5 An-124-100 – 73.3 meters
The An-124 military transport plane was modified into the An-124-100, a commercial cargo aircraft. It has a carrying capacity of 120 tons. Ten of these planes were produced for commercial purposes between 1987 and 1992.
6 Boeing 747-8i – 68.5 meters
The largest aircraft produced in the U.S., the Boeing 747-8i, can seat between 467 and 581 passengers. However, during the 1991 Operation Solomon, which rescued Ethiopian Jews, a record 1,122 people were carried on one flight.
7 Boeing 777X – 64.8 meters
The Boeing 777X features innovative modifications, including folding wingtips. In flight, its full wingspan will be 71.9 meters. Another interesting feature is that the engine nozzles will be 3D-printed, which the designers deemed more reliable. The plane is expected to debut in 2020.
8 An-22 (122) “Antei” – 64.4 meters
The An-22, a military and commercial cargo plane with a capacity of up to 120 tons, is still in operation, with 4 units remaining (many more were originally built). The passenger version, the An-122, was used during the 1972 crisis in Egypt to evacuate 700 Soviet personnel.
9 Boeing 747-400 – 64.4 meters
This is the most widespread modification of the 747 and one of the most popular airplanes in the world, with a capacity of up to 624 passengers. The model began service in 1989, and production ended in 2009.
10 Airbus A340-600 – 63.45 meters
In some ways, the Airbus A340-600 is a first—it is the longest passenger aircraft in the world in its basic model, measuring 75.36 meters in length. Production of the airliner ceased in 2011 due to a lack of orders, as it proved too costly compared to its competitors.
