Determining the "fastest" airline depends on the definition of "fastest." Are we talking about the speed of its planes, the rate of its growth, or something else? Let's explore different interpretations:
Fastest Aircraft Speed
The title of the fastest plane in the world belongs to the NASA X-43A, an experimental scramjet. This unmanned aircraft achieved a staggering speed of Mach 9.6, approximately 7,366 mph (11,854 km/h) [Aviation A2Z, Thrust Flight]. However, it's crucial to note that the X-43A is not a commercial aircraft, and thus, no airline operates it.
Fastest Commercial Airliner
For commercial passenger flights, the Concorde holds the record as the fastest commercial airliner ever built, reaching speeds up to 1,354 mph (2,179 km/h) [Modern Airliners]. However, the Concorde is no longer in service. Currently, the Cessna Citation X+ holds the title of the fastest private jet, reaching speeds of Mach 0.935 (717 mph) [Air Charter Service, Travel + Leisure]. While technically a commercial aircraft (in the sense it's for sale and use), it's a private jet, not operated by a standard airline.
Among other commercial airliners, various sources cite different models, often due to differences in measuring speed (groundspeed vs. airspeed). A British Airways Boeing 747 once recorded an exceptionally high groundspeed of 825 mph, but this was due to favorable tailwinds [Quora]. Other fast commercial airliners include the Boeing 747-400, Boeing 777, and Airbus A380, with speeds around 656-683 mph [Science Focus].
Fastest-Growing Airline
This aspect measures the rate of airline expansion, not aircraft speed. While specific rankings change frequently, sources point out various fast-growing airlines, often including low-cost carriers (LCCs) and airlines in rapidly developing markets. For example, SpiceJet (India) and Beijing Capital Airlines were cited as fast-growing examples in 2018 [Aviation Week].
In summary, there's no single answer to "the fastest airline." The answer depends on what is meant by “fastest.” The fastest aircraft is the NASA X-43A, but it’s not operated by an airline. The fastest commercial aircraft are no longer in service (Concorde). Currently, the fastest private jet available is the Cessna Citation X+. Finally, measures of fastest growth in the airline industry focus on the expansion rate of the airlines themselves, not their aircraft speed.
