Cruise Speed

What Is an Aircraft’s Cruise Speed?

An aircraft’s cruise speed is the average speed at which the aircraft travels through the air when it is not actively climbing or descending. Usually this is 85% of its maximum speed. An aircraft usually has the highest rate of fuel consumption when it is at its cruise speed. The average large commercial aircraft usually has a cruise speed of around 575 miles per hour (between 475 and 500 knots).