The Most Popular Cargo Aircraft, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the cargo aircraft you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 1, 2024 06:32
In the bustling world of global commerce, cargo aircraft play a pivotal role in the speedy delivery of goods across continents and oceans. As businesses and consumers increasingly rely on fast, efficient shipping for everything from basic essentials to exotic imports, understanding which cargo aircraft are up to the task becomes crucial. A ranking of the most popular cargo aircraft is not just about listing specifications; it's about identifying which planes best meet the logistical challenges of today's market demands.
This dynamic ranking relies on your insights and preferences. By voting for your favorite cargo aircraft, you help shape a real-time list that reflects what logistics professionals and aviation enthusiasts value most. Whether you're involved in the transportation industry or are simply fascinated by aviation, your participation helps paint a clearer picture of which aircraft are leading the pack in operational excellence and innovation.
What Is the Most Popular Cargo Aircraft?
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171votes
Boeing 747-400F
BoeingThe Boeing 747-400F is one of the most popular cargo aircraft in the world. Its large size and advanced technology make it ideal for carrying large, heavy cargo over long distances.The Boeing 747-400F is a popular cargo aircraft that is a variant of the Boeing 747 series. It is specifically designed for freight transportation and can carry a large payload over long distances.- First Flight: May 4, 1993
- Cargo Capacity: 124,900 kg (275,000 lb)
- Range: 7,260 km (4,505 mi)
- Cruising Speed: 907 km/h (564 mph)
- Length: 70.6 m (231 ft 10 in)
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227votes
Boeing 777F
BoeingThe Boeing 777F is a long-range cargo aircraft designed to carry large amounts of freight over vast distances. Its fuel-efficient engines and advanced technology make it a popular choice for cargo airlines around the world.The Boeing 777F is a popular long-range cargo aircraft renowned for its capacity and fuel efficiency. It is a dedicated freighter version of the Boeing 777 series, designed to meet the demands of global cargo transportation.- Crew: 2
- Capacity: 226,000 kg (499,998 lb)
- Length: 63.7 m (209 ft 1 in)
- Wingspan: 64.8 m (212 ft 7 in)
- Height: 18.6 m (61 ft 2 in)
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320votes
Airbus A330-200F
AirbusThe Airbus A330-200F is a popular choice for cargo airlines due to its high payload capacity and long range. It is also known for its fuel efficiency and low operating costs.The Airbus A330-200F is a freighter aircraft developed by Airbus based on their A330 airliner. It is designed specifically for cargo transport, offering a spacious and versatile cargo deck with impressive range capabilities.- Introduction: 2009
- Crew: 2
- Payload Capacity: 70.9 tons
- Range: 4,000 nautical miles (7,400 km)
- Length: 63.7 m
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45votes
Antonov An-124
The Antonov Design BureauThe Antonov An-124 is a heavy lift cargo aircraft designed to carry oversized and heavy cargo. It is known for its impressive cargo capacity and ability to operate in challenging conditions.The Antonov An-124 is a large cargo aircraft developed by the Soviet Union during the 1980s. It is widely recognized as one of the most popular cargo aircraft in the world due to its immense cargo capacity and unique features.- Wingspan: 73.3 meters (240 ft)
- Length: 68.96 meters (226 ft 3 in)
- Height: 20.78 meters (68 ft 2 in)
- Cargo Capacity: up to 150,000 kilograms (330,000 lb)
- Maximum Takeoff Weight: 392,000 kilograms (864,000 lb)
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57votes
U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Howard Blair · Public domainLockheed C-130 Hercules
Lockheed MartinThe Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a military transport aircraft that is also used by cargo airlines for its versatility and ability to operate in rugged conditions. It is known for its exceptional performance in short takeoff and landing situations.The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a versatile military cargo aircraft designed for tactical troop and equipment transport, as well as aerial refueling, electronic warfare, and search and rescue missions. It is known for its exceptional range, short takeoff and landing capabilities, and rugged design.- First flight: August 23, 1954
- Wingspan: 132 ft 7 in (40.41 m)
- Length: 97 ft 9 in (29.8 m)
- Height: 38 ft 10 in (11.84 m)
- Max takeoff weight: 155,000 lb (70,300 kg)
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68votes
McDonnell Douglas MD-11F
McDonnell Douglas CorporationThe McDonnell Douglas MD-11F is a popular cargo aircraft due to its large cargo capacity and long range. It is also known for its advanced technology and fuel efficiency.The McDonnell Douglas MD-11F is a popular cargo aircraft widely recognized for its efficient and reliable performance in hauling freight. It is an extended-range variant of the McDonnell Douglas MD-11, which was initially designed for passenger operations but later modified for cargo transportation. The MD-11F has gained significant popularity due to its versatility, spacious cargo hold, and long-haul capabilities.- First Flight: January 10, 1990
- Introduction: December 7, 1990
- Length: 202 ft 2 in (61.6 m)
- Wingspan: 169 ft 6 in (51.7 m)
- Height: 57 ft 9 in (17.6 m)
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710votes
Boeing 767-300F
BoeingThe Boeing 767-300F is a medium-sized cargo aircraft that is known for its versatility and ability to operate in a variety of conditions. It is also known for its fuel efficiency and low operating costs.The Boeing 767-300F is a freighter aircraft based on the widely-used Boeing 767-300ER passenger model. It is a twin-engine wide-body aircraft primarily designed for cargo transportation.- Maximum payload capacity: 52.7 metric tons (116,601 lb)
- Range: 4,630 km (2,500 nautical miles)
- Cargo volume: 438 m³ (15,440 ft³)
- Engines: 2 x General Electric CF6-80C2B6F
- Length: 54.94 m (180 ft 3 in)
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84votes
Ilyushin Il-76
Ilyushin Aviation ComplexThe Ilyushin Il-76 is a heavy lift cargo aircraft designed to carry oversized and heavy cargo. It is known for its impressive cargo capacity and ability to operate in challenging conditions.The Ilyushin Il-76 is a four-engine, heavy-duty cargo aircraft designed for transportation of large and heavy payloads. It is renowned for its reliability and versatility, making it one of the most popular cargo aircraft in the world.- First flight: March 25, 1971
- Wingspan: 50.50 meters (165 ft 8 in)
- Length: 46.59 meters (152 ft 10 in)
- Height: 14.76 meters (48 ft 5 in)
- Maximum takeoff weight: 190,000 kg (418,878 lb)
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96votes
Boeing 757-200F
BoeingThe Boeing 757-200F is a medium-sized cargo aircraft that is known for its versatility and ability to operate in a variety of conditions. It is also known for its fuel efficiency and low operating costs.The Boeing 757-200F is a cargo variant of the Boeing 757-200 series. It was designed and manufactured by Boeing, an American aerospace company.- Length: 47.32 meters
- Wingspan: 38.05 meters
- Height: 13.56 meters
- Maximum Takeoff Weight: 115,680 kg
- Cargo Capacity: 39,240 cu ft (1,111 cu m)
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109votes
Airbus A300-600F
AirbusThe Airbus A300-600F is a popular cargo aircraft due to its large cargo capacity and long range. It is also known for its fuel efficiency and low operating costs.The Airbus A300-600F is a cargo aircraft specifically designed for efficient transportation of goods. It is part of the A300 series manufactured by Airbus, a European aerospace company.- Cargo Capacity: 54 metric tons (119,000 lbs)
- Range: 4,070 km (2,200 nmi)
- Wingspan: 44.84 m (147 ft 1 in)
- Length: 54.08 m (177 ft 5 in)
- Height: 17.70 m (58 ft 1 in)
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Ranking factors for popular cargo aircraft
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Payload capacityThe ability of the aircraft to carry a significant amount of cargo in terms of weight and volume is crucial. This includes both the maximum payload capacity and the available cargo volume within the aircraft.
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RangeThe maximum distance the aircraft can travel without requiring refueling is essential for long-haul cargo transportation. Strong range capabilities allow for fewer stops, saving time and money for operators.
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Fuel efficiencyFuel costs are a significant factor in the overall cost of aircraft operations. An aircraft that is more fuel-efficient will be more cost-effective and attractive to cargo operators.
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Reliability and maintenanceThe ability of the aircraft to perform reliably with minimal downtime for maintenance is essential for cargo operations that often run on tight schedules.
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Operational costsThis includes factors such as acquisition costs, maintenance costs, fuel costs, and crew-related expenses. Lower operational costs make for a more attractive and competitive aircraft.
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Loading capabilities and ease of operationCargo aircraft should be designed for efficient and quick loading/unloading of cargo, including provisions for various types of cargo and specialized equipment.
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Versatility and adaptabilityThe ability of the aircraft to accommodate various types of cargo, as well as its adaptability to different operational environments (e.g., remote locations, short runways), is important for a wide range of cargo operations.
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Market demand and reputationThe popularity of an aircraft among cargo operators will reflect its success in meeting their needs, while strong reputation for performance and reliability will also play a crucial role in ranking cargo aircraft.
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Safety recordA history of safe operations and few incidents or accidents reflects positively on the aircraft's reliability and performance.
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Availability of support and servicesAvailability and accessibility of spare parts, maintenance services, and technical support from the manufacturer or other service providers is crucial for operators to ensure efficient and effective operations.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular cargo aircraft. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or cargo aircraft is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1635 views
- 167 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each cargo aircraft once every 24 hours. The rank of each cargo aircraft is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular cargo aircraft
Cargo aircraft play a crucial role in the transportation of goods across the globe. These aircraft are designed specifically to carry heavy and bulky items, which cannot be transported through other modes of transportation such as ships or trucks. The popularity of cargo aircraft has increased significantly over the years, with more and more businesses relying on them to transport their products across the world.
Cargo aircraft come in various shapes and sizes, ranging from small turboprop planes to large wide-body jets. The most popular cargo aircraft are typically the ones that offer the greatest capacity and efficiency in terms of fuel consumption and operating costs. These aircraft are also designed to be reliable and durable, able to withstand the wear and tear of frequent use.
The most popular cargo aircraft in the world today include the Boeing 747, the Antonov An-124, and the Airbus A330. These aircraft are known for their exceptional cargo capacity, speed, and range, making them the preferred choice for businesses looking to transport goods quickly and efficiently. With advancements in technology, cargo aircraft are only set to become more popular in the years to come.
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