Posted on September 16th, 2025
The Convair 880 was a narrow-body jet airliner produced by the Convair division of General Dynamics in the late 1950s. Designed to compete with the Boeing 707 and Douglas DC-8, the Convair 880 promised airlines a faster, sleeker option for medium- to long-haul service. Marketed as the “world’s fastest jet transport” at the time of its introduction, the aircraft could cruise at speeds up to 615 mph. However, its smaller size and higher fuel consumption limited its commercial success, and only 65 units were ever built.
In the mid-1950s, Convair sought to enter the rapidly growing jet airliner market. Instead of building a direct rival to the larger-capacity Boeing 707 and DC-8, Convair chose a niche strategy: a smaller, faster airliner that could serve routes with lower passenger demand. The first prototype flew on January 27, 1959, and the aircraft entered service in 1960 with Delta Air Lines. Other carriers, including Trans World Airlines (TWA), Swissair, Cathay Pacific, and Japan Airlines, also operated the Convair 880, though fleet sizes remained limited.
The Convair 880 featured a narrow fuselage, low-mounted swept wings, and four General Electric CJ-805-3 turbojet engines. The design prioritized speed over capacity, allowing airlines to advertise faster schedules. Passenger seating varied from 88 to 110, fewer than rival aircraft of the era. Its main advantage was speed—cruising close to Mach 0.89—but this came at the expense of higher fuel burn and limited operating economics.
| Manufacturer | Convair (General Dynamics) |
| First Flight | January 27, 1959 |
| Engines | 4 × General Electric CJ-805-3 turbojets |
| Passenger Capacity | ~88–110 seats |
| Range | ~3,600 miles (5,800 km) |
| Cruise Speed | 615 mph (Mach 0.89) |
| Total Built | 65 aircraft |
The Convair 880 entered a marketplace already dominated by larger and more efficient airliners. The Boeing 707 and Douglas DC-8 offered more seats and better economics, which appealed to airlines managing high passenger demand. Convair’s promise of speed failed to offset the realities of higher operating costs and fewer available seats. As a result, orders remained small, and the aircraft was unable to achieve lasting market penetration.
The Convair 880 saw service with major airlines such as Delta Air Lines, TWA, Swissair, Cathay Pacific, and Japan Airlines. Delta was the launch customer, while TWA operated the type extensively during the 1960s. Despite its performance advantages, most airlines retired the 880 by the early 1970s as more efficient aircraft became available. A handful of aircraft were later converted for private or VIP use, including one famously owned by Elvis Presley, nicknamed “Lisa Marie.”
With only 65 examples produced, the Convair 880 is remembered as a bold but commercially unsuccessful attempt to challenge the dominance of Boeing and Douglas in the early jet age. Its high-speed performance remains a point of historical interest, and several examples are preserved in museums. The aircraft also paved the way for Convair’s follow-up project, the Convair 990 Coronado, which sought to improve range and efficiency but faced similar challenges. Today, those interested in VIP airliner travel can charter modern aircraft such as the Boeing Business Jet or Airbus ACJ jets that fulfill the promise of comfort and performance with modern technology.
Was the Convair 880 the fastest airliner?
Yes, during its era the Convair 880 was considered the fastest jet transport in commercial service, cruising at speeds near 615 mph.
Why did the Convair 880 fail commercially?
Despite its speed, the aircraft burned more fuel and carried fewer passengers than rivals, making it less profitable for airlines.
How many Convair 880s were built?
Only 65 Convair 880 aircraft were produced between 1959 and 1962.
While the Convair 880 is a fascinating part of aviation history, today’s VIP airliner charters offer unmatched comfort and efficiency. JetOptions provides access to VIP airliners including Boeing BBJs and Airbus ACJs, available for private group flights, corporate travel, or luxury long-range journeys.
