Commercial airplanes are marvels of engineering, soaring through the skies and connecting people across the globe. One of the most common questions about these aircraft is: How Fast Does A Commercial Plane Fly? The average cruising speed of a commercial passenger jet typically ranges from 880 to 926 kilometers per hour (km/h), which translates to roughly 475 to 500 knots, or 547 to 575 miles per hour (mph).
However, this is just a general figure. The actual speed at which a commercial plane flies is influenced by a variety of factors. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into these elements and explore the fascinating world of commercial airplane speeds. Before we explore the details, let’s take a look at the typical cruising speeds of some popular commercial aircraft.
Cruising Speeds of Common Commercial Aircraft
To give you a clearer picture of how fast different commercial planes fly, here’s a table outlining the typical cruising speeds of several common models. Speeds are presented in Mach number, knots, and miles per hour for easy comparison.
| Aircraft Type | Cruise Mach | Knots | MPH |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boeing 737 MAX | Mach 0.79 | 453 | 521 |
| Airbus A320neo | Mach 0.78 | 450 | 518 |
| Boeing 747-8 | Mach 0.855 | 490 | 564 |
| Boeing 787 Dreamliner | Mach 0.85 | 488 | 562 |
| Airbus A380 | Mach 0.85 | 488 | 562 |
| Embraer EMB-145 | Mach 0.78 | 450 | 518 |
| Concorde SST (Retired) | Mach 1.75 | 1,165 | 1,341 |
Decoding Airplane Speed: More Than Just MPH
Understanding airplane speed isn’t as straightforward as car speed. While we measure car speed in miles per hour relative to the ground, aircraft operate within the atmosphere, which is constantly in motion. This introduces nuances to how we define and measure the speed of a plane.
For airline operations and passenger experience, ground speed is the most relevant metric. Ground speed represents the plane’s speed relative to the ground, essentially how quickly you’re moving from your origin to your destination. It’s calculated by factoring in the plane’s speed through the air and the effect of wind. A tailwind will increase ground speed, while a headwind will decrease it. Think of it like swimming in a river – your speed relative to the riverbank (ground speed) is affected by both your swimming speed and the river’s current.
However, from a pilot’s and aircraft engineering perspective, airspeed is crucial. Airspeed is the speed of the aircraft relative to the air it is flying through. This is the speed that determines the aerodynamic forces acting on the aircraft, particularly lift over the wings. There are different types of airspeed measurements, including True Airspeed (TAS) and Indicated Airspeed (IAS). True Airspeed (TAS) is the most accurate as it corrects for variations in air temperature and density, which change with altitude and weather conditions. Indicated Airspeed (IAS) is what’s displayed on the airspeed indicator in the cockpit and requires adjustments to get TAS. You can learn more about the differences between true airspeed and indicated airspeed here.
Measuring Plane Speed: Knots and Mach Numbers
In aviation, distances are measured in nautical miles (NM), not statute miles used on US roads. One nautical mile is approximately 1.15 statute miles. Speed is then expressed in knots, where one knot equals one nautical mile per hour. This is why aircraft speeds are commonly reported in knots within the aviation community, rather than mph.
Another critical speed measurement for jet aircraft is Mach number. Mach number is the ratio of an object’s speed to the speed of sound in the surrounding medium (air). Mach 1 represents the speed of sound, which varies with air temperature and altitude. Commercial airplanes are designed to fly at subsonic speeds, below Mach 1. Exceeding a critical Mach number can lead to the formation of shockwaves on the wings, potentially causing loss of control. The Maximum Mach Number (Mmo) is a design limitation that commercial jets must not exceed to maintain safe and controllable flight. Modern aircraft cockpits are equipped with machmeters, displaying the Mach number to pilots, ensuring they stay within safe operating speeds without complex calculations. Therefore, when a commercial airplane is cruising at its designated altitude, it’s flying at a safe and efficient Mach number.
Aircraft speeds can be communicated in both knots and Mach numbers, depending on the context and phase of flight.
Speed Variations During Flight Phases
Commercial airplanes don’t maintain a constant speed throughout their entire flight. Speed varies significantly depending on the phase of flight, from takeoff to landing. There are also regulatory speed limits in place in certain airspace. For instance, aircraft operating below 10,000 feet are restricted to a maximum speed of 250 knots, and this limit reduces further to 200 knots in airspace near busy airports.
Beyond these restrictions, each flight follows a carefully planned flight profile, which includes optimized speeds for climbing, cruising, and descending, designed for efficiency and safety.
Climb Speed
The initial climb after takeoff prioritizes gaining altitude quickly. A rapid climb provides a safety margin; in case of emergencies or engine issues, higher altitude offers more time and options for pilots to respond. Initially, pilots aim for the best rate of climb, maximizing vertical ascent in a given time, even if it means a slower forward speed.
Commercial airplane taking off at high speed
Once the aircraft reaches a safe altitude, the climb profile transitions to a more efficient one. This involves lowering the nose slightly, reducing engine power, and increasing forward speed while accepting a less steep climb rate. This trade-off improves fuel efficiency and overall climb performance for the remainder of the ascent to cruising altitude.
Cruise Speed
The cruise phase, which constitutes the majority of a long-haul flight, utilizes a pre-determined speed profile optimized for fuel efficiency and time. Pilots set engine power and fuel consumption based on the flight plan, and the resulting airspeed and Mach number dictate the ground speed and ultimately the range of the aircraft.
As seen in the cruising speed table, most modern airliners have remarkably similar cruise speeds. The typical maximum Mach number for subsonic commercial aircraft is around 0.9–0.95. This limitation arises from the physics of airflow over the aircraft. Even when the plane itself is traveling below Mach 1, air accelerating over the curved surfaces of wings and fuselage can reach near-supersonic speeds. To avoid drag and control issues associated with widespread supersonic airflow, these aircraft are designed to operate just below this threshold.
Furthermore, the thinner air at higher altitudes, while beneficial for jet engine efficiency, presents a challenge for wing lift. To generate sufficient lift in less dense air and prevent stalling, aircraft must maintain a high airspeed. Consequently, airliners operate within a narrow speed window at cruise altitude—fast enough to avoid stalling but slow enough to remain below their Maximum Mach Number. This balancing act results in the convergence of cruise speeds among various airliner models. It’s also worth noting that aircraft may adjust their cruise speeds temporarily when encountering turbulence to ensure passenger comfort and structural integrity.
Descent Speed
During descent, commercial planes manage their speed in two phases: cruise descent and the landing approach. Cruise descent is about losing altitude efficiently without accelerating excessively and exceeding the Mmo. This is primarily achieved by reducing engine thrust, allowing gravity to initiate the descent while maintaining a similar forward speed to cruise.
As the aircraft descends through 10,000 feet, the 250-knot speed restriction comes into play. To comply, pilots further reduce power and may deploy drag-inducing devices like air spoilers to slow the aircraft. As airspeed decreases, reducing airflow over the wings, pilots deploy flaps to increase wing lift at lower speeds, maintaining control.
The landing approach phase requires a significant reduction in speed to prepare for touchdown. Approach speeds are typically around 150 knots or less. Extending wing flaps to their maximum setting and deploying other high-lift devices allows the aircraft to maintain controlled flight at these lower speeds, ensuring a safe landing.
The Realm of Supersonic Commercial Flight
When considering how fast commercial planes fly, the Concorde inevitably enters the conversation.
“I feel the need… the need for speed!” – Maverick (and likely Concorde passengers).
The Concorde was a revolutionary aircraft, the only supersonic airliner to operate commercially. From 1976 to 2003, it served Air France and British Airways, becoming an icon of speed and luxury air travel. The Concorde offers valuable insights into the challenges and possibilities of supersonic commercial aviation and why most modern airliners operate at subsonic speeds.
The Concorde achieved remarkable feats, setting numerous speed records, including a transatlantic crossing from New York to London in a mere 2 hours and 52 minutes in 1996, aided by a strong tailwind. It also holds records for circumnavigating the globe, with the fastest eastbound trip in 1995 taking just 31 hours and 27 minutes (including refueling stops).
Despite its technological marvel, only 20 Concordes were ever built. Supersonic air travel, while glamorous, faced significant hurdles. The Concorde was notoriously fuel-inefficient and expensive to operate. Furthermore, the loud sonic booms it generated restricted supersonic flight to over-ocean routes, rendering it impractical for many long-distance routes like transcontinental flights over land.
However, advancements in technology are rekindling interest in supersonic flight. Several startups are developing new supersonic transport (SST) designs, leveraging modern engineering and computational design to mitigate sonic boom impact and enhance fuel efficiency. Boom Supersonic, with its Overture airliner project, has garnered attention and secured orders from major airlines like United and American Airlines. The Overture is projected to cruise at Mach 1.7, potentially slashing flight times, such as London to New York in approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, bringing back the era of ultra-fast intercontinental travel.
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Jarrod Roberts
Jarrod Roberts brings extensive expertise to Thrust Flight, with over 15 years in aviation. He holds a BS in Aeronautical Science from Texas A&M Central and has worked as a flight instructor, First Officer, and Captain at SkyWest Airlines. Currently, he flies for a major legacy airline and serves as Chief Pilot at Thrust Flight, guiding flight instructors in delivering exceptional training to aspiring airline pilots.
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