The Top 10 Fastest Airplanes of 2024

Are you in a hurry? What's the rush? If you’re stuck on a plane with noisy kids for hours on end, you’ll definitely feel the need for speed. But which commercial airplane will get you to your destination the quickest?

Here, we take a look at the top speeds of planes worldwide, comparing their velocity and cost.

Buckle up, fasten your seatbelt, and hop on board the fastest aircraft in the sky.

10. Boeing 747-400 – 1056km/h (656mph)

A Qantas Boeing 747-400 takes off for the last time at Sydney Airport after being decommissioned in Sydney, Australia on July 22, 2020. Photo by James D. Morgan/Getty Images

Despite being in service for over 35 years, the iconic 747-400 earns a spot on this list. This version of the 747 was widely used by airlines for its impressive range and speed.

Unfortunately, this aging model is no longer being produced, with only one commercial plane still flying. The decline in use was hastened by reduced air travel during the COVID-19 pandemic.

9. Boeing 777 – 1098km/h (683mph)

A Boeing 777-9 performs at the 54th Paris International Air Show at Le Bourget Airport in Paris, France on June 19, 2023. Photo courtesy: Mustafa Yalcin/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

Boeing’s popular 777 has been in operation for nearly 30 years and continues to be a key player in the aviation industry.

This aircraft can accommodate over 500 passengers, impressive for a twin-jet aircraft. It can also reach speeds of Mach 0.89, or 1099km/h.

8. Airbus A380 –1098km/h (683mph)

A380 demonstrated at the 2021 Dubai Air Show. Photo courtesy of Airbus

The A380 stands as the world’s only full-length double-decker plane, capable of carrying over 800 passengers comfortably. It’s the largest passenger aircraft ever made, with a width equal to 32 double-decker buses. Despite its size, it can still reach speeds of Mach 0.89.

Over the past 16 years, the A380 has transported over 300 million passengers worldwide. Despite production ending, this aircraft’s speed and luxury ensure it will remain in operation for years to come.

7. Dassault Falcon 7X – 1111km/h (690mph)

Dassault Falcon 7X arrives on land. Photo courtesy: N509FZ/Wikipedia

The unassuming but swift Dassault Falcon 7X is a triple-engine business jet known for its speed, reaching over 1100km/h while carrying 16 passengers in luxury. Its unique trijet design sets it apart from other aircraft, enhancing fuel efficiency.

Dassault has a long history of manufacturing Falcon planes, with the even faster Falcon 10X on the horizon with a top speed of Mach 0.925.

6. Boeing 787 Dreamliner – 1111km/h (690mph)

A Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner lands at Barcelona Airport, Spain, on January 4, 2023. Photo courtesy: Urbanandsport/NurPhoto/Getty Images

Boeing’s renowned Dreamliner is known for its comfort and efficiency, but it also boasts impressive speed, reaching 1111km/h.

With over 1,000 planes in operation worldwide, the Dreamliner is a popular choice for long-haul flights.

5. Boeing 747-8i – 1136km/h (706mph)

A Boeing 747-8 flies over Barcelona Airport, Spain, on December 16, 2022. Photo credit: Urbanandsport/NurPhoto/Getty Images

Despite its aging platform, the 747-8i stands as the world’s fastest large commercial jet, capable of transporting nearly 500 passengers at speeds over 1130 km/h.

In a testament to its capabilities, two 747-8i planes are undergoing refurbishment for the U.S. Air Force, set to become Air Force One in 2024.

4. Gulfstream G700 – 1142.19km/h (709mph)

Gulfstream G700 in action. Photo credit: Gulfstream

Gulfstream’s luxury private jet, the G700, is known for its incredible top speed, matching its hefty price tag of $80 million (£63 million).

With room for 19 passengers, a range of 13,000km, and the ability to fly above turbulent weather conditions, the G700 offers a smooth and luxurious travel experience.

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3. Cessna Citation X+ – 1154.538km/h (717mph)

A Cessna Citation X on final approach to land. Photo credit: Aviation-images.com/Universal Images Group/Getty Images

An upgraded version of the Citation X, the Citation X+ offers a larger cabin and increased top speed. While it has a shorter range than competitors, it remains a popular choice despite production ending in 2018.

2. Bombardier Global 8000 – 1160km/h (721mph)

Global 8000 is scheduled to be operational in 2025. Photo credit: Bombardier

If you’ve ever envied Logan Roy’s jet-setting lifestyle on “Succession” but found traditional planes too slow, the Global 8000 is your solution. This aircraft can reach speeds of up to 1160km/h (Mach 0.94) while accommodating 19 passengers in luxury.

With a projected range exceeding 14,000km, the Global 8000 is set to replace the Global 7500 in 2025.

1. SpaceShipTwo “Unity” – 3704 km/h (2301.81 mph)

The Virgin Galactic SpaceShipTwo VSS Unity spacecraft returns to Earth on July 11, 2021, after flying over Spaceport America near Truth and Consequences, New Mexico, on its way to space. I will return. Photo by Patrick T. Fallon/AFP/Getty Images

The world’s fastest plane available for passengers in 2023 will be a Virgin Galactic craft. In July 2021, six passengers on a rocket plane reached speeds of Mach 3 over New Mexico.

Unlike traditional planes, the VSS Unity is powered by a single rocket engine and requires a launch vehicle to reach operational height. Once launched, it can achieve speeds over 3,700km/h at an altitude of around 90km.

After two decades of development, commercial flights have begun, with tickets costing $400,000 for a 90-minute journey.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

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