Twin Engine Planes
Who flies twin engine planes in 2026? Here's what to know before you book!
What is a twin-engine plane?
Twin-engine planes are aircraft powered by two engines, typically of the same type, mounted either under the wings or at the rear. The “twin” simply refers to this dual-engine setup, which offers a balance of power, efficiency and safety.
Today, twin-engine aircraft are the most common type used by airlines worldwide. They’re popular not just for their performance across short-haul and long-haul routes, but also for being more fuel-efficient and cost-effective compared to four-engine models.
Thanks to advances in aviation technology and engine reliability, twin‑engine planes now power the majority of commercial flights. Modern twinjets such as the Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 combine high performance with greater fuel efficiency than older multi‑engine designs.
While iconic four‑engine aircraft like the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747 are still in service with some airlines, they are operating on fewer routes and in smaller numbers than before as carriers shift toward more cost‑effective twin‑engine models.
What airlines operate twin-engine planes?
Nearly every major airline in the world operates twin-engine aircraft. From short domestic routes to long-haul international flights, twin-engine planes are the backbone of modern aviation thanks to their fuel efficiency, performance and safety.
Airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, British Airways, United Airlines, Delta, Lufthansa and Singapore Airlines all operate fleets that include twin-engine jets such as the Boeing 777, Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Airbus A330 and Airbus A350.
Low-cost and regional airlines, like easyJet, Southwest, JetBlue and AirAsia, also rely heavily on twin engine aircraft such as the Airbus A320 family and Boeing 737.
If you're flying short-haul or long-haul, it's highly likely your journey will be on a twin-engine plane.
Types of twin-engine aircraft
Twin engined aircraft can be broken down into 'light', 'medium' and 'heavy' categories. Each category has their own uses and performance depending on the use for the aircraft in question.
Light
Aircraft in the light category would be examples such as the DeHavilland Dash 8 or the Twin Otter, of which are twin turboprop aircraft, operating mainly regional flights.
These aircraft will tend to operate shorter hops, and with their low weight, are able to get into smaller airfields. A great example of this is Barra airport in Scotland, where the runway is a beach! This means that the Twin Otter, a light twin engine, is the only sort of aircraft that can fly to the airport.
If you're flying from a domestic airport to a small airstrip, it is very likely you will fly in a light twin-engine aircraft. Another great example would be the aircraft used for Safari flights.
Top tip: Check out our guide to regional jets for more information, including an aircraft comparison and FAQs!
Medium
Aircraft in the medium category would be examples such as the a320 or Boeing 737. These aircraft have a much longer range and are able to carry many more passengers. Airlines find these the most popular types of aircraft, both in terms on maintenance costs and operationally.
Some airlines will primarily focus one type for their fleets, for example Ryanair only operate 737's, whereas EasyJet will operate a purely Airbus fleet. These aircraft will tend to operate short-haul or medium-haul flights.
Heavy
Aircraft in the heavy category would be examples such as the Boeing 777 or the Airbus 350. These aircraft are becoming ever popular with airlines as their manufacturers are forever increasing their efficiency. They predominantly operate long and super long haul flights.
The a350 recently accomplished flights from London Heathrow (LHR) - Sydney (SYD) , with an average flight time of 20 hours.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the largest twin-engine plane?
The Boeing 777 is a long-range wide-body twin-engine jet airliner. The aircraft is the world's largest twin-engine jet, with a typical seating capacity of 314 to 396 passengers. You can read more in our Boeing 777 guide.