What is the range of the Boeing 767?

The Boeing 767’s published range varies by variant and payload: roughly 3,255 to 6,590 nautical miles (6,025 to 12,200 km). The 767-200ER has the family’s longest quoted passenger-model range, while the widely used 767-300ER is normally listed at about 5,980 nmi (11,070 km).

In our Aviation & Real-World Flying coverage, the key distinction is between a nominal specification and a dispatchable route. Published range assumes defined loading and atmospheric conditions; it does not mean every 767 can cover that distance with full seats, full cargo and mandatory fuel reserves.

What is the Boeing 767 range by variant?

The main Boeing 767 variants have the following commonly quoted nominal ranges:

These are rounded specification figures, and documents may show small differences because engine, weight, payload and reserve assumptions vary. The freighter figure reflects a revenue-payload mission rather than an empty-aircraft ferry limit.

The mistake we see most often is dropping the ER suffix. A 767-300 and 767-300ER are not interchangeable for range planning; most long-haul passenger references concern the 767-300ER.

Why is the usable range lower than the published figure?

A dispatchable Boeing 767 range is usually lower because fuel, payload, weather and reserves must all fit within the aircraft’s weight limits.

• Payload: Full fuel and maximum payload may exceed maximum take-off weight, forcing an operator to reduce one or the other.
• Wind and routing: Headwinds, airway deviations, weather avoidance and air traffic restrictions increase trip fuel.
• Required reserves: Taxi, contingency, alternate and final-reserve fuel cannot be treated as usable destination fuel.
• Airport performance: Short runways, high temperatures, elevation or contamination can impose a lower take-off weight. Our guide to how loading and conditions affect 767 runway requirements explains that separate limitation.
• Aircraft configuration: Engine type, operating weight, drag, winglets and individual operator configuration alter the result.

A light ferry flight may exceed the headline passenger or cargo figure, while a heavily loaded commercial flight may require a fuel stop. ETOPS approval can affect which remote routes may be flown, but it does not increase the aircraft’s aerodynamic range.

Can a Boeing 767 fly across the Atlantic?

Yes. The 767-200ER and 767-300ER were designed for long-range operations and became major transatlantic aircraft, subject to the operator, aircraft and route holding the required approvals.

The smaller 767-200ER has the longest quoted range in the commercial family, but that does not make it the best choice for every route. The 767-300ER carries more passengers and cargo, while larger aircraft offer different capacity and economics; our comparison of the 767 and 777’s size, role and range provides the wider context.

How should sim pilots plan Boeing 767 range?

In a flight simulator, use the exact add-on’s fuel burn and weight model rather than treating 5,980 or 6,590 nmi as a guaranteed flight-planning radius.

1. Select the exact variant. Confirm whether the aircraft is a standard model, ER or freighter.
2. Load passengers and cargo first. Establish zero-fuel weight before deciding how much fuel can legally be carried.
3. Plan the actual route. Account for forecast winds, departure procedures, arrival procedures and likely deviations.
4. Add the complete fuel requirement. Include taxi, trip, contingency, alternate and final-reserve fuel.
5. Check the weight limits. Verify zero-fuel, take-off and landing weights rather than simply setting both payload and fuel to 100%.

For FS2004, this Boeing 767 family package covering the -200 through -400 variants is useful for distinguishing the models. Its simulated endurance still depends on the add-on’s flight dynamics and fuel configuration, which may not reproduce real-world planning data exactly.