Ever gazed skyward in awe at a colossal aeroplane gracefully gliding across the clouds? These marvels of engineering not only transport hundreds of passengers across continents but also push the boundaries of innovation and design. Let’s embark on a journey to discover the 10 biggest aeroplanes in the world, measured by maximum takeoff weight:

1. Antonov An-225 Mriya: This behemoth stands as the undisputed champion, sadly destroyed during the conflict in Ukraine. With a staggering maximum takeoff weight of 640 tonnes (1,400,000 pounds) and a wingspan stretching 88.4 meters (290 feet), it truly lived up to its name, “Dream” in Ukrainian.
2. Scaled Composites Stratolaunch: Designed to carry rockets aloft, this unique aircraft boasts a double fuselage and the widest wingspan of any flying machine at 385 feet (117 meters). While not meant for passenger transport, its 600,000-pound takeoff weight earns it the second spot.
3. Airbus A380-800: Once the undisputed passenger king, the iconic double-decker A380 offers unmatched space and comfort, carrying up to 853 passengers in a luxurious four-class layout. With a maximum takeoff weight of 569 tonnes (1,254,000 pounds), it still reigns supreme in passenger capacity.
4. Lockheed C-5 Galaxy: This military workhorse is a vital asset for transporting troops and cargo, boasting a 415-tonne (915,000-pound) takeoff weight and a cavernous cargo hold. Witnessing one take-off is a spectacle in itself!
5. Antonov An-124 Ruslan: A smaller sibling of the An-225, the Ruslan remains a formidable cargo carrier with a 405-tonne (892,000-pound) capacity. Its impressive payload and short-field takeoff capabilities make it popular for heavy and outsized cargo transportation.
6. Boeing 747-8: The iconic “Queen of the Skies” may have been dethroned by the A380 in passenger capacity, but its reign continues in the cargo realm. The stretched 747-8 variant boasts a 412-tonne (908,000-pound) takeoff weight and remains a popular choice for long-haul cargo routes.
7. Boeing Dreamlifter: This oddly shaped behemoth, based on the 747-400, wasn’t designed for passengers but to ferry oversized aircraft parts. Its bulbous fuselage allows it to carry components too large for conventional transportation, with a maximum takeoff weight of 374 tonnes (825,000 pounds).
8. Antonov An-22 Antei: Another Antonov on the list, the An-22 served as the largest turboprop ever built until the An-225 arrived. With a 275-tonne (606,000-pound) takeoff weight, it was a crucial cargo transporter for the Soviet Union and its successors.
9. Airbus BelugaXL: Another outsized cargo specialist, the BelugaXL is the successor to the BelugaST and resembles a smiling whale. Designed to transport Airbus aircraft components, it has a 270-tonne (595,000-pound) takeoff weight and a unique bulbous fuselage.
10. Boeing 777X: The latest iteration of the iconic 777 family, the 777X holds the title of the world’s longest-range commercial airplane. While its passenger capacity falls short of the A380, its 351-tonne (774,000-pound) takeoff weight earns it a spot on this prestigious list.

READ| Top 10 Longest Train Routes in World