Several aircraft over the years have qualified in their own way as being the largest aircraft of all. There was, according to Wikipedia, a plane called a Bristol Brabazon which was built in 1949. It was the largest luxury airliner ever, but because of its size, it was not commercially viable.

Other aircraft takes the lead as the biggest for being the largest single propeller plane or the biggest land-based aircraft carrier. The actual plane that takes the title of being the biggest ever is the Antonov An-225 Mriya. If you’re trying to find used aircraft for sale to fill an aircraft museum, this relic might be just the ticket for your main showpiece!

This is a cargo plane which was developed in the Soviet Union in the 1980s. It had six turbofan engines. It was the longest, and the heaviest in aviation history. Only one was built. It is still in operation to this day.

It has the largest wingspan and can have a maximum of 640 tons when it takes off. It was completed in 1988 and flown from Kiev for its first flight. Originally, it was made to carry the rocket boosters for Russian space shuttles. It did fly to complete several military missions for the Soviets but was stored away for several years.

After this time, it was refurbished. It is now commercially operating under Antonov Airlines and carries all kinds of oversized cargo. It has a refurbished landing system which includes 32 wheels. This is unlike anything on any other plane.

Recently, a California manufacturer created the largest plane by wingspan. The Stratolaunch is not yet in commercial service, however, so it still has competition from the Antonov. It is expected to be launched officially after more testing is done. It has six 747 jet engines and is also expected to be used for space flight missions.

The largest airplane in active service is the Antonov. Soon, it may be eclipsed by the Stratolaunch.