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Boeing 757

The Boeing 757 is an American narrow-body twin-engine commercial airliner developed and built by Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Boeing 757 is an American narrow-body twin-engine commercial Aircraft developed and built by Boeing Commercial Airplanes. It was designed as a successor to the Boeing 727, entered service in 1983, and remained in production until 2004. A total of 1,050 aircraft were built, with the final delivery made in 2005.

Development and introduction

The Boeing 757 began as the 7N7 program and was developed to replace the Boeing 727. The prototype first flew on February 19, 1982, and the type entered airline service in 1983. It was launched commercially by Eastern Air Lines and British Airways.

Design and variants

The 757 is a low-wing, single-aisle twinjet with a conventional tail. It was produced in passenger and freighter variants, including the 757-200, 757-200PF, and 757-300. The aircraft shared several design features with the Boeing 767, including cockpit commonality. The design is also used on the Boeing 737.

Operational use

The Boeing 757 was primarily used on short- to medium-range routes. Some airlines later adapted it for longer routes. The aircraft was also used by Canadian carriers and served Canadian airports on domestic, transborder, and international routes. This market segment is also served by the Airbus A320.

Production and legacy

Production of the 757 ended on October 28, 2004, after 1,050 aircraft had been built. The final aircraft was delivered to Shanghai Airlines on November 28, 2005. The type remained widely used in passenger and cargo service.

Key facts

  • The Boeing 757 was developed as a twinjet replacement for the Boeing 727.
  • It entered service in 1983 and production ended in 2004.
  • A total of 1,050 aircraft were built.
  • The 757 is a narrow-body airliner for short- to medium-range routes.
  • It was produced in passenger and freighter variants.
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Canadian context

The Boeing 757 has been used by Canadian carriers and has also served Canadian airports on domestic, transborder, and international routes.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Boeing 757?
The Boeing 757 is an American narrow-body twin-engine commercial airliner built by Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
When did the Boeing 757 enter service?
It entered service in 1983.
How many Boeing 757 aircraft were built?
A total of 1,050 Boeing 757 aircraft were built.
When did production end?
Production ended on October 28, 2004.
What aircraft did the Boeing 757 replace?
It was developed as a successor to the Boeing 727.
Was there a cargo version of the Boeing 757?
Yes. The 757 family included the 757-200PF freighter variant.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_757
    Supports: General description as a Boeing narrow-body airliner; development history; first flight and certification; aircraft configuration.
  2. Simple English Wikipediahttps://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_757
    Supports: Entry into service in 1983; production end date; total built; final delivery to Shanghai Airlines.
  3. SKYbrary Aviation Safetyhttps://skybrary.aero/aircraft/b752
    Supports: Aircraft family role, in-service date, shared features with Boeing 767, extended-range version, final production total.
  4. Delta Flight Museumhttps://deltamuseum.org/research/history/aircraft/jets/jets/boeing-757-1984-present
    Supports: Technical overview and emphasis on fuel efficiency and new technology wing and engines.
  5. Chinese Wikipediahttps://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%B3%A2%E9%9F%B3757
    Supports: First order date, first flight, FAA certification, engine options, variants, and maximum takeoff weight.