The Boeing 767, once a dominant player in the skies, is gradually fading from the commercial passenger scene, with fewer than 190 planes still serving passengers globally. However, its legacy lives on, as the aircraft continues to operate some of the world’s longest routes, primarily in the US. Let’s explore how this iconic widebody aircraft is being used today and its most significant flights in 2025.
Boeing 767’s Current Role and Decline
The Boeing 767 first entered commercial service over 40 years ago, and while it was once a common sight on passenger routes, the plane is now mostly used for cargo. Of the remaining passenger versions, most are the 767-300ER and 767-400ER, with operators like Delta Air Lines and United Airlines leading the way.
Data from Cirium Diio reveals that just 5% of all widebody flights this year will use the 767, down from 8% in 2019. This decline is due to the 767’s older design, higher fuel consumption, and greater maintenance needs compared to modern, fuel-efficient aircraft like the Boeing 787 and Airbus A330neo.
Top 10 Longest Boeing 767 Routes in 2025
Here’s a look at the longest routes currently scheduled for the Boeing 767 in 2025. Most of these flights involve US carriers, particularly Delta and United Airlines, with just one exception operated by LAM Mozambique Airlines.
| Distance | Route | Airline & Variant | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4,707 nm (8,717 km) | Houston Intercontinental to Munich | United 767-300ER | Operates Feb 20-Mar 28; returns Oct 25 for winter |
| 4,523 nm (8,377 km) | Maputo to Lisbon | LAM Mozambique 767-300ER | Weekly (wet-leased from EuroAtlantic); doubles in July |
| 4,427 nm (8,199 km) | Boston to Honolulu | Delta 767-300ER | Limited to 16 dates in April; otherwise A330-300 |
| 4,359 nm (8,073 km) | Houston Intercontinental to Rio de Janeiro | United 767-300ER | Daily year-round |
| 4,355 nm (8,065 km) | Houston Intercontinental to Amsterdam | United 767-300ER | Daily year-round |
| 4,330 nm (8,019 km) | New York JFK to Honolulu | Delta 767-300ER | Primarily daily year-round |
| 4,312 nm (7,986 km) | Newark to Honolulu | United 767-400ER | Mainly six weekly; returns Nov 21 for winter season |
| 4,307 nm (7,977 km) | Newark to Athens | United 767-300ER/767-400ER | Seasonal; shared with 787-10 during summer |
| 4,270 nm (7,908 km) | Atlanta to Venice | Delta 767-400ER | Daily between Mar 29-Oct 24; partial A330-200 service |
| 4,261 nm (7,891 km) | Newark to Kahului (Maui) | United 767 | Single roundtrip service on Jan 4, 2025 |
The Only Non-US Route: Maputo to Lisbon
The lone non-US entry on the list is LAM Mozambique Airlines’ Maputo to Lisbon route, operated with a wet-leased EuroAtlantic 767-300ER. LAM reintroduced this service in December 2023 after over a decade without regular flights.
Due to the airline’s limited resources, it relies on wet-leased widebodies, including aircraft from Hi Fly and EuroAtlantic. The route currently operates weekly, but it will increase to twice weekly starting in July 2025. The 767-300ER used for this route is 22.3 years old, adding to the inconsistency in the airline’s product offering. However, LAM focuses more on affordability than premium passenger experiences, often offering lower fares than TAP Air Portugal.
Why the Boeing 767 Still Matters
Despite its decline in passenger use, the Boeing 767 remains an important part of global aviation, particularly for transatlantic and domestic long-haul routes. Airlines like Delta and United benefit from the aircraft’s low acquisition costs, making it ideal for seasonal or lower-demand routes where newer aircraft may not be as economically viable.
However, as more fuel-efficient jets like the Boeing 787, Airbus A350, and A330neo continue to enter service, the 767’s days in passenger service are numbered. Many airlines have already begun retiring their fleets or converting them for cargo operations, indicating that the aircraft will likely be phased out entirely within the next decade.
The Boeing 767 may no longer dominate the skies, but it continues to play a crucial role in aviation. Its long-haul routes, particularly across the US and between Europe and Africa, demonstrate its enduring value for certain airlines. As 2025 unfolds, aviation enthusiasts will continue to witness the aircraft flying iconic routes, though its passenger service is gradually fading. With time, it will fully transition to the cargo market, where its legacy will live on in a different capacity.