The Boeing 767-400ER (ICAO: B764) is the largest passenger variant of the Boeing 767 family. Developed as a stretched and modernised version of the successful 767-300ER, it was designed to offer greater passenger capacity while retaining the proven efficiency and reliability of the 767 platform. Although built for only two airlines, the 767-400ER remains an important aircraft on domestic and international routes, particularly in North America.
History
During the 1990s, Boeing developed the 767-400ER to bridge the gap between the 767-300ER and the larger Boeing 777. The aircraft featured a longer fuselage, increased wingspan with distinctive raked wingtips, a strengthened undercarriage, and an updated flight deck inspired by the Boeing 777.
The Boeing 767-400ER made its first flight on 9 October 1999 and entered commercial service with Continental Airlines in 2000. Unlike earlier members of the family, the aircraft was produced exclusively as an extended-range version.
Design
The Boeing 767-400ER combines the spacious 2-3-2 economy seating layout of the 767 family with a longer cabin capable of carrying significantly more passengers. The redesigned cockpit features advanced avionics and large LCD displays similar to those found on the Boeing 777, reducing pilot workload and improving operational efficiency.
The aircraft is powered by either General Electric CF6-80C2 or Pratt & Whitney PW4000 engines, providing reliable long-haul performance while maintaining the excellent fuel efficiency for which the 767 family is known.
Specifications
| Specification | Boeing 767-400ER |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
| ICAO Code | B764 |
| First Flight | 9 October 1999 |
| Entry into Service | 2000 |
| Length | 61.37 m |
| Wingspan | 51.92 m |
| Height | 16.84 m |
| Typical Seating | 245–304 passengers |
| Maximum Seating | Up to 375 passengers |
| Range | Up to 10,415 km (5,625 nm) |
| Cruising Speed | Mach 0.80 (approximately 850 km/h) |
| Engines | 2 × General Electric CF6-80C2 or Pratt & Whitney PW4000 |
| Flight Crew | 2 |
Operators
Only two airlines ordered the Boeing 767-400ER:
- Delta Air Lines
- Continental Airlines (now part of United Airlines)
Following the merger between Continental and United, both United Airlines and Delta Air Lines continue to operate the type, primarily on high-demand domestic routes and selected international services.
Legacy
The Boeing 767-400ER had a relatively small production run, with just 37 aircraft built, making it the rarest passenger version of the Boeing 767 family. Although it did not achieve the commercial success of the 767-300ER, it provided airlines with additional capacity while preserving the proven reliability and economics of the 767 platform.
Today, the 767-400ER continues to serve with Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, demonstrating the durability and versatility of the Boeing 767 family more than two decades after its introduction.