In a recent report by The Washington Post, it was revealed that commercial planes reached speeds over 800 mph as near-record winds swept high over the Mid-Atlantic region.

This marked the second-highest wind speed ever recorded since the 1950s and was attributed to a powerful jet stream sweeping over the region late on a Saturday. At approximately 35,000 feet above ground, the wind speeds roared to 265 mph, the typical cruising altitude for airplanes.

At least three commercial aircraft soared to speeds exceeding 800 mph. Virgin Atlantic Flight 22, departing from Washington Dulles International Airport to London, experienced a peak speed of 802 mph, surpassing the speed of sound (767 mph). United Airlines Flight 64 from Newark to Lisbon and American Airlines Flight 120 from Philadelphia to Doha, Qatar, also achieved remarkable ground speeds of 835 mph and approximately 840 mph, respectively.

Following this trend, these high-speed flights occurred less than a month after a China Airlines flight reached a speed of 826 mph over the Pacific Ocean, similarly propelled by a powerful tailwind.

The contrast between cold and warm air masses not only caused this rare and exceptional event but also made on-time arrivals a breeze for these high-speed flights. This unusual weather pattern showcased the dynamic interplay between atmospheric elements over the Mid-Atlantic region, creating a rare spectacle in the world of commercial aviation.