How Fast Can a Commercial Jet Travel at Maximum Speed?
Posted: Wed Sep 11, 2024 5:15 pm
How fast does a plane go? Several factors determine how quickly a plane can fly on its journey. The kind of aircraft is an important factor, with bigger commercial jets like the Boeing 787 cruising at speeds of roughly 560 mph (900 km/h), although smaller regional jets may fly slightly slower. Weather also affects speed, with tailwinds allowing planes to fly quicker and headwinds slowing them down. Speed is also affected by altitude; higher altitudes, where the air is thinner, allow planes to fly quicker with less drag. Furthermore, air traffic control may compel flights to alter their speed to maintain safe distances from other aircraft in congested airspaces.