How well do you really know Concorde and the A350-1000? Take the quiz
One defined an era of supersonic glamour, the other has redefined long-haul comfort and efficiency. Think you can tell these two aviation greats apart? Put your knowledge to the test in our ultimate quiz
19/05/2026
NEED TO BRUSH UP ON YOUR KNOWLEDGE?
Read on for an in-depth lesson. (Spoiler alert! The quiz answers are below)
1. Which aircraft can or could carry more passengers?
The A350-1000, which carries 331 passengers in a three class layout.
2. Which aircraft was designed to fly higher?
Concorde, which cruised at around 60,000ft.
3. What was Concorde’s maximum speed?
1,480mph, or Mach 2.23.
4. Why did Concorde have a much shorter range than the A350-1000?
Because flying at Mach 2 burns fuel at an extraordinary rate.
5. Which aircraft has or had the heavier maximum take-off weight?
A350-1000, at roughly 709,888lb (322 tonnes).
6. Landing gear: which has or had more main wheels?
The A350-1000, with 12 main wheels.
7. Which statement is true?
Concorde’s airframe stretched six to ten inches during flight due to heat.
8. Which is accurate?
Concorde’s final scheduled BA flight, BA002 from JFK, was on 24 October 2003.
9. What was the purpose of Concorde’s drop nose?
To improve pilot visibility during take off and landing.
10. What was the purpose of Concorde’s retractable visor?
To protect the cockpit windscreen during supersonic flight.
11. What is a standout feature of the A350’s wing design?
Its adaptive, “morphing” wing that changes shape in flight to improve efficiency.
12. Which aircraft has or had the longer fuselage – and by how much?
The A350-1000, by approximately 39 feet.
13. At Concorde’s typical cruise altitude (~60,000 ft), what colour did the sky appear?
Deep, dark blue — almost space like.
14. What feature of the A350 helps reduce jet lag for passengers?
Fresh air refreshed every two to three minutes at carefully controlled pressure levels.
