Understanding the Differences Between the Boeing 767-200, -300, and -400 Series

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The Boeing 767 has been a cornerstone of commercial aviation since its introduction in the early 1980s. Designed as a wide-body, twin-engine aircraft for medium to long-haul routes, the 767 family evolved over the years to meet changing airline needs. Three main passenger variants have been developed: the 767-200, 767-300, and 767-400ER. While they share the same DNA, each variant offers unique capabilities in size, range, and performance.

1. Boeing 767-200: The Original Workhorse

Entry into Service: 1982
Typical Seating: ~181 passengers (2-class configuration)
Range: ~3,850 nautical miles

The 767-200 was the first variant to roll off the production line. Designed to fill the gap between narrow-body jets like the 727 and 757 and larger wide-body aircraft, it offered airlines a fuel-efficient option for transcontinental and early transatlantic routes.

• Key Features:

  • Shortest fuselage in the 767 family

  • Ideal for routes with moderate demand

  • Popular with early adopters like United and Delta

  • Available in both passenger and freighter versions

2. Boeing 767-300: The Stretched Success

Entry into Service: 1986
Typical Seating: ~218 passengers (2-class configuration)
Range: ~5,990 nautical miles (ER version)

The 767-300 introduced a fuselage stretch of nearly 21 feet over the -200, allowing airlines to carry more passengers without significant increases in operating costs. It quickly became the most popular variant.

• Key Features:

  • Extended fuselage for greater capacity

  • Available as 767-300ER (Extended Range), the most widely used version

  • Excellent range for long-haul routes like transatlantic and intra-Asia

  • Commonly used by cargo carriers in its freighter version

3. Boeing 767-400ER: The Final Evolution

Entry into Service: 2000
Typical Seating: ~243 passengers (2-class configuration)
Range: ~5,625 nautical miles

The 767-400ER was a significant redesign rather than a simple stretch. It featured a 21-foot longer fuselage than the -300, raked wingtips for improved aerodynamics, and a 777-style glass cockpit.

• Key Features:

  • Largest and most modern 767 variant

  • Only used by Delta Air Lines and United Airlines

  • Enhanced cabin with upgraded interiors and lighting

  • Less popular commercially but praised for passenger comfort and fuel efficiency