Top 7 Biggest Aeroplanes in the World

Airplanes have come a long way since the Wright brothers' first flight. Today, colossal machines soar through the skies, transporting hundreds of passengers or massive cargo loads across continents. But which are the biggest airplanes ever built? Buckle up, aviation enthusiasts, as we explore the top 7 contenders for the title of "King of the Skies."

1. Antonov An-225 Mriya:

The undisputed king of the skies, the An-225 Mriya tragically met its demise during the conflict in Ukraine in 2022. This one-of-a-kind behemoth held numerous airlifting records and was a symbol of engineering marvel. (MTOW: 640 tonnes, Wingspan: 88.4 meters, Length: 84 meters)

2. Scaled Composites Stratolaunch:

This unique aircraft isn't technically a traditional airplane. It's a behemoth with six engines designed to act as a mid-air launch platform for rockets. (MTOW: 680 tonnes, Wingspan: 385 meters, Length: 117 meters)

3. Antonov An-22 Antei:

The largest turboprop aircraft ever built, the An-22 served as the workhorse of the Soviet military for decades. Its impressive payload capacity made it ideal for heavy cargo transportation.  (MTOW: 640 tonnes, Wingspan: 68.5 meters, Length: 84 meters)

4. Boeing Dreamlifter:

This modified 747 variant is a specialized cargo carrier used by Boeing to transport airplane parts around the globe for final assembly. (MTOW: 374 tonnes, Wingspan: 64.4 meters, Length: 70.7 meters)

5. Airbus A340-600:

This extended-range passenger jet offered superior fuel efficiency for ultra-long haul flights, but its production has ceased due to a shift towards more efficient twin-engine aircraft.  (MTOW: 380 tonnes, Wingspan: 60.3 meters, Length: 75.4 meters)

6. Boeing 777-9:

This next-generation long-haul passenger aircraft boasts the longest wingspan of any commercial jet in operation. It's designed for maximum fuel efficiency and passenger comfort.  (MTOW: 352 tonnes (estimated), Wingspan: 76.2 meters, Length: 76.7 meters)

7. Antonov An-124 Ruslan:

Another formidable cargo carrier, the Ruslan is known for its short takeoff and landing capabilities, making it ideal for accessing remote airports. (MTOW: 405 tonnes, Wingspan: 73.3 meters, Length: 88.4 meters)