Jet Stream Sends Five Planes Soaring at Record Speeds
Passengers on five separate flights experienced a harrowing ride this weekend as their planes were swept along at record-breaking speeds thanks to the jet stream. Virgin Atlantic Airways flight 22, British Airways 292, British Airways 216, United Airlines 64, and American Airlines 120 all reached maximum speeds, some of which exceeded 1,300 km/h, as they traveled along the jet stream.
The jet stream, a fast-moving air current that circulates above the Earth, can significantly reduce journey times and make passengers arrive much faster than the established flight times. The planes affected by the winds were able to reach speeds well above the typical 575 mph cruising speed.
The National Weather Service in Washington issued a warning on February 17 that passengers traveling east would encounter “quite a bit of wind,” as an afternoon weather balloon launch detected the second strongest upper-level wind in recorded local history.
American Airlines Flight 120 from Philadelphia to Doha, Qatar reportedly reached speeds of 840 mph, while a flight from Newark to Lisbon reached 835 mph before reaching its destination. Likewise, British Airways Flight 292 from Washington to London arrived 32 minutes ahead of schedule.
Despite the incredible speeds reached by these planes, meteorologist Jeff Berardelli assured that none of the aircraft broke the sound barrier. Turbulence, which can be caused by the movement of air created by atmospheric pressure, jet streams, air around mountains, cold or warm weather fronts, or storms, can be affected by the jet stream.
Passengers and crew alike experienced an unprecedented flight as a result of the powerful jet stream, creating a unique and terrifying experience for those aboard the affected flights.