Commercial planes typically cruise at speeds between 550 and 600 mph (478 to 521 knots), which is equivalent to 880–926 km/h (475–500 kn; 547–575 mph). This speed is roughly Mach 0.78 to Mach 0.81, which is about 78% to 81% of the speed of sound. However, the actual speed can vary depending on factors such as the type of aircraft, altitude, weather conditions, and air traffic.
For example, a Boeing 737 can fly at a top speed of around 544 mph, while an Airbus A321neo can reach up to 575 mph. Some planes, like the Concorde, can fly faster than the speed of sound, reaching speeds of Mach 2 (1,354 mph or 2,179 km/h).
Here are some additional factors that influence the speed of commercial planes:
- Altitude: Planes fly at higher altitudes to reduce air resistance and fuel consumption.
- Weather: Wind speeds and direction can significantly affect the plane's ground speed.
- Air traffic: Air traffic controllers regulate the speed of planes to ensure safe distances between them.
