average speed of commercial jet at cruising altitude
With aircraft, other factors affecting optimum cruise altitude include payload, center of gravity, air temperature, humidity, and speed. This altitude is usually where the higher ground speeds, the increase in aerodynamic drag power, and the decrease in engine thrust and efficiency at higher altitudes are balanced. Typical cruising airspeed for a long-distance commercial passenger aircraft is 475â500 knots (878â926 km/h; 546â575 mph).