Types of Planes

The world of aviation can be a bit overwhelming. There are many different categories of airplanes, each designed for specific purposes and applications. People slice and dice aircraft many different ways, but generally you will see them grouped based on intended use, as per below:

1. Commercial Passenger Jets: These are the most common type of airplanes used for transporting passengers around the world. Some examples of commercial passenger jets include the Boeing 747, Airbus A380, and Boeing 787. Key operators include major airlines such as Delta, United, American, Emirates, and Singapore Airlines.
2. Regional Jets: These are smaller jets used for shorter flights within a specific region. Examples include the Embraer E-Jet and Bombardier CRJ. Key operators include regional airlines such as SkyWest Airlines, ExpressJet, and Republic Airways.
3. Business Jets: These are private jets used for business travel, typically by high-level executives, politicians, and celebrities. Examples include the Gulfstream G650, Bombardier Global Express, and Dassault Falcon. Key operators include charter companies such as NetJets and Flexjet, as well as corporate flight departments.
4. Military Jets: These are fighter jets and other military aircraft used by various countries’ armed forces. Examples include the F-35 Lightning II, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and B-2 Spirit. Key operators include the United States Air Force, Royal Air Force, and the French Air Force.
5. Helicopters: These are rotary-wing aircraft used for a variety of purposes, including transport, rescue, and military operations. Examples include the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk, Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin, and Bell 407. Key operators include military forces, emergency services, and private companies.
6. Cargo Planes: These are airplanes used for transporting cargo around the world. Examples include the Boeing 747-8F, Antonov An-225 Mriya, and Airbus A330-200F. Key operators include cargo airlines such as FedEx, UPS, and DHL.
7. General Aviation Planes: These are small, private planes used for personal travel, flight training, and other general aviation purposes. Examples include the Cessna 172, Piper PA-28 Cherokee, and Cirrus SR22. Key operators include private individuals, flight schools, and small businesses.

These are just a few examples of the main categories of airplanes and some key operators for each. Keep in mind that there are many other types of airplanes used for a variety of purposes, including agricultural spraying, firefighting, and scientific research.

In subsequent posts we will go far deeper into each category and also talk through other aspects of the aviation industry, such as becoming a pilot, maintenance, the business of aviation, and others.

Thanks for reading!