Aviation abbreviation
Maximum Takeoff Weight
At a glance
Meaning of Maximum Takeoff Weight
The aircraft's maximum permitted takeoff weight under its structural limits.
More about Maximum Takeoff Weight
MTOW defines an upper limit, but the allowable mass for a particular departure can be lower because of runway, weather, obstacles or other constraints.
Payload and fuel contribute to actual takeoff mass. A published maximum does not promise full passengers, full cargo and full fuel on every flight.