Everything you need to know about the largest aircraft in the world

The title of the world’s largest aircraft varies based on specific criteria — and trust us, it's not as simple as "who’s the biggest." Are we talking wingspan? Weight? Passenger capacity? The ability to take off from water? Turns out, the skies are filled with giants, each one breaking records in its own way.

From rocket-launching beasts with wings longer than football fields to luxurious double-decker jets that feel more like flying hotels, these aircraft push the limits of engineering, design, and imagination. Some are built to carry hundreds of people across continents, others to carry rockets into space — and a few are so rare, only one was ever made.

So whether you’re an aviation nerd, a curious traveler, or just someone who loves cool, massive machines, buckle up! We’re about to take off into the fascinating world of the biggest, boldest aircraft ever built. 

Stratolaunch “Roc” – The aircraft with the longest wingspan in the world

With a jaw-dropping wingspan of 117 meters (385 feet) – longer than a football field – Roc earns its title as the largest aircraft by wingspan ever flown. Designed not for passengers, but for air-launching rockets into orbit, Roc is a unique twin-fuselage aircraft developed by Stratolaunch Systems. It first took to the skies in 2019, and since then, it's been turning heads in the aerospace world.

Roc is powered by six massive Pratt & Whitney PW4056 engines, the same ones that give life to Boeing 747s. The aircraft was originally backed by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, who dreamed of making space more accessible. Instead of taking off vertically, rockets carried by Roc are dropped from high altitudes, saving fuel and cost.
With its manta ray-like silhouette and space-age mission, Roc is redefining the way we think about launching into orbit.

• Manufacturer: Stratolaunch Systems

• Purpose: Rocket air-launch platform

• First Flight: April 13, 2019

And if we already talked about the biggest airports in the USA, it only makes sense to now explore the giants that rule the skies above them. 

Antonov An-225 Mriya – The heaviest aircraft ever built

The Antonov An-225 Mriya was truly one of a kind. Originally built in the 1980s to transport the Soviet space shuttle Buran, it was the heaviest aircraft ever built and held records for the largest wingspan of any operational cargo plane (88.4 meters) and the highest payload (up to 250 tonnes). 

Powered by six enormous turbofan engines, Mriya could carry items no other plane could – from massive generators to entire locomotives. Sadly, the only completed An-225 was destroyed in 2022 during the conflict in Ukraine, but it remains an engineering legend and a symbol of sheer power.

Its name, Mriya, means “dream” in Ukrainian – a fitting name for such a monumental feat of aviation.

• Manufacturer: Antonov Design Bureau (Ukraine)

• First Flight: December 21, 1988

• Notable Missions: Delivered COVID-19 medical supplies globally in 2020

Airbus A380-800 – Biggest passenger plane in the world

The Airbus A380-800 is a double-decker marvel that redefined air travel when it launched in 2005. With room for over 800 passengers in an all-economy setup, it is the largest commercial airliner in the world. The A380 is known for its smooth, quiet ride and luxurious amenities like onboard bars, showers, and even lounges in some configurations.

It can fly up to 8,000 nautical miles (14,800 km) on a single tank, making it ideal for long-haul routes between major global cities. Despite initial challenges and a temporary production halt, the A380 is back in favor among airlines as demand for large-capacity aircraft rebounds.

Whether you're flying with Emirates, Singapore Airlines, or Qantas, the A380 remains a fan favorite for passengers seeking comfort and space. And in case you ever get bumped from one of these packed flights, don’t forget that you may be entitled to denied boarding compensation—a helpful perk when demand exceeds even this aircraft’s giant capacity.

• Manufacturer: Airbus

• Leading Airlines: Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa, Qantas

• First Flight: April 27, 2005

AG600 Kunlong – The world’s largest amphibious aircraft

Designed and built in China, the AG600 Kunlong is the largest amphibious aircraft in the world. It’s capable of taking off and landing both on land and water, making it ideal for maritime rescue, firefighting, and ocean patrol missions. Its massive body stretches almost 40 meters long, with a wingspan of nearly the same.

With the ability to scoop up 12 tons of water in just 20 seconds, the AG600 is a powerful ally in fighting wildfires and performing rescue operations in remote areas. It made its first water takeoff in 2020 and officially entered service in 2025.

Kunlong is a key part of China's efforts to expand its emergency response capabilities, especially in coastal and island regions.

• Manufacturer: Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC)

• First Flight: December 24, 2017

• Mission Types: Firefighting, rescue, marine surveillance

What are the largest passenger aircraft?

When it comes to carrying the most people across the skies, the Airbus A380-800 takes the crown with a whopping capacity of up to 853 passengers in an all-economy layout. But it’s not flying solo in the world of giants—several other aircraft also deserve the spotlight for their size, range, and engineering brilliance.

Let’s meet the flying titans:

Boeing 747-8

The Boeing 747-8 is the newest and largest version of the legendary 747 family, often nicknamed the "Queen of the Skies." With a sleek stretched body and updated tech, it can carry around 660 passengers in an all-economy setup. The aircraft made its first flight in 2010 and remains a favorite for long-haul flights thanks to its range and iconic upper deck.

The 747-8 offers a comfortable ride with enhanced fuel efficiency, and it still turns heads at airports around the globe. And if your flight on this iconic jumbo jet ever gets unexpectedly grounded, don't forget—you may be entitled to cancelled flight compensation, depending on your route and airline policy.

• Manufacturer: Boeing

• Airlines: Lufthansa, Korean Air, Air China

Boeing 777-9

The Boeing 777-9, part of the next-gen 777X series, is built for performance and passenger comfort. With a capacity of around 450 passengers, it’s designed for long-haul routes and ultra-modern cabins. It also features folding wingtips—yes, you read that right—to make it airport-friendly despite its size.

First flown in 2020 and expected to enter service by 2025, this aircraft is shaping the future of twin-engine travel.

• Manufacturer: Boeing

• Airlines (orders placed): Emirates, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, British Airways

Airbus A350-1000

The Airbus A350-1000 is the largest in the A350 family, combining high efficiency with premium comfort. It can carry about 400 passengers, depending on layout, and is known for its ultra-quiet cabin and advanced air systems that make long-haul flights more pleasant.

With cutting-edge composite materials and lower fuel burn, it’s also one of the most environmentally friendly wide-body jets flying today.

• Manufacturer: Airbus

• Airlines: Qatar Airways, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Virgin Atlantic

Airbus A340-600

The Airbus A340-600 is a four-engine long-haul aircraft and one of the longest passenger planes ever built. It can seat between 350 to 475 passengers, depending on the configuration, and has a maximum take-off weight of 368 tonnes. It first took to the skies in April 2001.

With a range of 13,900 kilometers, the A340-600 was built for serious globe-trotting. Its spacious cabin, long body, and smooth flying experience made it a go-to for many international carriers.

• Manufacturer: Airbus

• Airlines: Lufthansa, Emirates, Thai Airways, Iberia, South African Airways

As we’ve seen, “the largest aircraft in the world” doesn’t wear just one crown. Whether it's the jaw-dropping wingspan of the Stratolaunch Roc, the sheer weight-lifting power of the Antonov An-225, or the sky-high luxury of the Airbus A380, each of these giants dominates in its own category.

So next time you look up at the sky and spot a plane, remember: it might just be one of these record-breakers, quietly rewriting aviation history above the clouds!