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Boeing 767

The Boeing 767 is a wide-body, twin-engine jet airliner developed and manufactured 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 767 is a wide-body, twin-engine jet airliner developed and manufactured by Boeing Commercial Airplanes. It first flew in 1981 and entered commercial service in 1982 with United Airlines. The aircraft has been used for passenger service, freight transport, and military tanker roles.

Development

The Boeing 767 was developed by Boeing as part of a new generation of wide-body airliners. It was designed to be smaller than the Boeing 747 while still offering long-range capability and lower operating costs.

Design and performance

The aircraft is a low-wing, twin-engine jet with swept wings and a conventional tail. Published specifications vary by model, but the 767 typically cruises at about Mach 0.8 and has a passenger range of roughly 5,200 to 6,590 nautical miles.

Variants

The 767 family includes several passenger and cargo versions, such as the 767-200, 767-300, 767-300ER, 767-300F, and 767-400ER. Variant differences affect seating capacity, range, and payload.

Operational use

The Boeing 767 has served airlines around the world since 1982 and has also been used in freight operations. It has additionally been adapted for military use in tanker configurations in some countries.

Key facts

  • The Boeing 767 was developed as a mid-size wide-body aircraft smaller than the Boeing 747.
  • It has a twin-engine configuration and a conventional tail with a single fin and rudder.
  • The 767-300ER is one of the best-known and most popular variants.
  • The 767 has been widely used by airlines for both domestic and international routes.
  • Freighter versions of the 767 have been used for cargo operations.
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Canadian context

The Boeing 767 has been used by Canadian airlines and cargo operators, and the type has also been relevant in Canada through its long-haul passenger and freight roles.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Boeing 767?
A wide-body, twin-engine jet airliner produced by Boeing, used for passenger and cargo transport.
When did the Boeing 767 first fly?
It first flew on September 26, 1981.
When did it enter service?
It entered commercial service in 1982 with United Airlines.
How many passengers can a Boeing 767 carry?
Depending on the variant, it can carry about 181 to 375 passengers.
What is the Boeing 767 used for?
Passenger service, cargo transport, and, in some versions, military tanker duties.
What is the Boeing 767-300ER?
An extended-range passenger variant of the 767 family and one of its best-known models.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_767
    Supports: General design, first flight, speed, range, and configuration details.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/technology/Boeing-767
    Supports: Development, first flight in 1981, service entry in 1982, seating range, and delivery totals.
  3. Skybrary Aviation Safety — https://skybrary.aero/aircraft/b764
    Supports: Variants, service entry dates, freighter version, and passenger capacity/range by model.