10 Oldest Airworthy Planes in the World that Are Still Flying

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Step into a time machine with some of the oldest airplanes in the world that are still flying gracefully in the sky, defying age as just numbers.

Air transport has significantly transformed the way we travel between places worldwide. Major cities, which took days or even months to reach, are now just a few hours away by air.

While the earliest planes struggled to cross the English Channel, these historical flying relics bridge a past where every takeoff was daring, every landing uncertain, yet every flight inspired coming generations.

For aviation enthusiasts, young or old, let’s go vintage and discover the history, unique designs, technical quirks, and restoration challenges of the world’s top 10 oldest airplanes that are still airworthy after more than 100 years in service.

10 Oldest Planes Still In Service

The continued evolution in aviation has offered the world a convenient way to explore the world today. Here are the 10 oldest airplanes that are still flying in the sky around the world.

1. Bleriot XI

Bleriot XI, invented by a French aviator Louis Bleriot, is recognized as the world’s oldest airworthy plane, soaring the sky even after 115 years of its invention.

First flown in 1909, the airplane was refurbished in the 1950s and continues to operate today at the Hudson Valley in New York. The monoplane holds a historic record as the first plane to fly across the English Channel, from Calais to Dover, in just 37 minutes.

Aviation enthusiasts can see a few well-preserved airworthy variants of Bletriot XI in action at Shuttleworth’s Festival of Light. Learn the historic significance of the plane at the Musée des Arts et Métiers in Paris and Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome in New York.

2. Boeing Model 40 Series

Designed in 1925, the Boeing Model 40 is the second-oldest aircraft fleet with at least one model, Boeing Model 40C, still flying in 2025.

First flown in 1927, the plane was used to carry mail across the United States initially on the Chicago-San Francisco route before a redesign added two passenger seats.

After its wreckage in a 1928 crash near Oregon, it was meticulously restored over the years by Addison Pemberton Aviation Company. The airplane made a historic flight alongside the Boeing 727 Dreamliner in 2010 after its restoration work was completed in 2008.

The Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum in Oregon displays an original model of the Boeing Model 40, still flight-worthy on special occasions.

3. De Havilland Dragon Rapide

The twin-engine, wooden biplane De Havilland Dragon Rapide is another historic plane, introduced by de Havilland in 1934, that is still flying and could carry six to eight flyers at a time.

This historic aircraft served as a transport for communication and navigation missions during wartime. General Francisco Franco flew the plane during the Spanish Civil War in 1936. Dragon Rapide is the same plane on which General De Gaulle fled to England from France after being defeated by the German Nazis during World War II in 1940.

Several Dragon Rapides survive as airworthy aircraft. In the U.K., especially, organization like Classic Wings and The Imperial War Museum operates them, offering pleasure flights and appearing in air shows.

4. Douglas DC-3

First flown in 1935, the Douglas DC-3 is another of the world’s oldest flying planes listed by Travel+Leisure, reshaping commercial and military aviation globally. More than 13,000 Douglas DC-3 planes were built, with approximately 164 still flying in commercial and military service.

The earlier variant, DC-2, even played a crucial role in serving military needs during World War II to ferry passengers, armed troops, wounded soldiers, and military cargo.

After 80 years in service, several DC-3s are still in service. One such plane is operated by DDA Classic Airlines on special bookings. Additionally, Air Chathams in New Zealand and South Africa’s Springbok Classic Air offer experiential flights to aviation enthusiasts on a Douglas DC-3 airplane.

5. Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress

Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, first flown in 1935, became America’s famous heavy bomber aircraft during WWII.

Built for long range, durability, and defensive armament, it carried out daylight bombing raids over Europe and German Nazis, symbolizing American aviation strength.

Among more than 12,000 Boeing B-17s built, four are in top condition and known to be still flying as of 2025, typically at airshows and for historic value.

6. Lockheed’s L-1049 ‘Super Constellation’

Super Constellation L-1049 by Lockheed is another revolutionary plane still operating after its first air debut in 1943 as a high-altitude passenger transport.

Also known as Super Connie, it was the first commercial airplane to take flights above the air sickness zone. The unique design led to the pressurized cabins used in today’s aircraft, comfortably facilitating long-haul flights.

With the ability to fly at 20,000 feet, the plane was the first to operate non-stop coast-to-coast flights across the United States, demonstrating the luxurious trans-ocean flights before jets took over.

The last surviving Super Connie planes served as civilian transport before retiring in the 1990s. Two Super Constellation planes from the 1940s still continue to fly for Australia’s Historical Aircraft Restoration Society and the HARS Aviation Museum airshows.

7. Supermarine Spitfire

Designed by R.J. Mitchell in 1938, the Supermarine Spitfire is the oldest fighter plane of Britain that remained in production before, during, and after World War II. As a Britain single-seat fighter, it played a key role during WWII, especially in the Battle of Britain. Its elliptical wings, high performance, and steel body constantly continued to improve its distinct variants over the years.

With more than 20,000 Spitfires built between 1938 and 1948, 60 among the existing 240 planes are airworthy, around 70 are in museums, and the rest are under restoration.

The plane continues to be used for ceremonial purposes, serving the Royal Air Force. One can find the plane performing in the sky at the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight hosted at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire.

8. Nolinor C-GNLK

Nolinor Boeing 737-200, registered as C-GNLK, is among the oldest Boeing airplane in the world that was first flown in 1976 and is still in commercial service. Originally delivered to Transavia in 1974, this Canada-based carrier has had several owners who have flown it over the decades before being acquired by Nolinor in 2014.

Despite its age, the plane remains certified, maintained to airworthy status, and is flown regularly, equipped with a bypass turbofan engine and gravel kit.

9. Venezolana YV3471

Another Boeing 737-200 fleet, registered as YV3471, is one of the oldest and still active commercial and passenger airplanes in the world operated by the Venezolana charter airline.

First flown in 1978, the airplane has operated under several operators, including Frontier Airlines, before joining Venezolana Airlines.

Making it over 45 years in service, the plane was mentioned to still be flying in mid-2025, as reported by the Aviation Safety Network.

10. Mahan Air EP-MNE

Registered as EP-MNE, Mahan Air’s Boeing 747-300s is one of the oldest airplanes in the world, which is still in service.

Though the aircraft was out of service for a significant time, owing to its heavy maintenance check and engine part replacements. The aircraft returned to service in 2021 with a flight from Tehran to Kish Island and is now regularly flying over domestic and international routes.

Bottom Line

These 10 worlds’ oldest airplane continues to define the technologies and designs used in today’s planes, despite its age. And seeing one of these aircraft fly feels like a time machine in an aviation atmosphere.

These aircraft exist because great minds put the history and their related histories in the front row and risked time, money, and expertise to keep them airborne.

As long as aviation geeks, volunteers, museums, and pilots care, their innovation will continue to shape future generations of aircraft, leaving a lasting legacy in aviation history.

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