The Boeing 767 is a mid-to-large-size, wide-body, twin-engine jet airliner that played a pivotal role in establishing the viability of long-haul twin-engine operations (ETOPS - Extended-range Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards). It was designed for routes that were too long for narrow-bodies but didn't require the massive capacity of a 747.
Here are some key characteristics:
- Configuration: It's a wide-body aircraft, but with a narrower fuselage compared to larger wide-bodies like the 747 or 777. This often allows for a more comfortable 2-3-2 or 2-4-2 seating configuration in economy.
- Engines: Powered by two turbofan engines (variants have used Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, or General Electric engines).
- Capacity: Typically seats between 181 and 375 passengers, depending on the variant and seating layout.
- Range: Known for its excellent range, from around 3,850 nautical miles (7,130 km) for earlier models to over 6,300 nautical miles (11,700 km) for the longest-range versions.
- Speed: Cruising speed is around Mach 0.80 (about 530 mph or 850 km/h).
- Variants: Key passenger variants include the original 767-200, the stretched 767-300 (the most common version), and the further stretched 767-400ER. Many 767s also operate as dedicated freighters or military tanker aircraft (like the KC-46 Pegasus, based on the 767-200ER).
- Key Features: It was the first Boeing wide-body to feature a two-crew glass cockpit (shared with the 757), significantly reducing crew costs. Its efficiency and range helped open up many new long-haul point-to-point routes that were previously uneconomical for larger, four-engine aircraft.
Although production of passenger variants has largely ceased (with the 787 Dreamliner being its spiritual successor), the 767 remains a highly popular and reliable aircraft in both passenger and, especially, cargo operations worldwide. Its robust design continues to serve airlines and air forces effectively.
