The Boeing 767-400ER: Delta’s Workhorse for International Flights

January 23, 2025 Add Comment

The Boeing 767-400ER: Delta’s Workhorse for International Flights

The Boeing 767-400ER is not a widely used aircraft, with only 38 ever built. Despite its limited production, it remains in active service with just three operators: Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and the Bahrain Royal Flight. Delta owns the largest share, operating 21 of these jets, which have been a key part of its long-haul and transatlantic network. Let’s take a closer look at the aircraft’s history, its role in Delta’s fleet, and its current operations.

Delta’s Boeing 767-400ER Fleet Overview

Aging but Reliable Aircraft

Delta’s Boeing 767-400ERs have an average age of 24.1 years, making them the airline’s third-oldest aircraft type after the Airbus A320ceo (28.9 years) and Boeing 767-300 (28.5 years). The airline originally received all 21 aircraft directly from Boeing between 2000 and 2002, unlike United Airlines, which inherited its 16 aircraft from Continental Airlines.

Delta’s first 767-400ER, registered as N828MH, was delivered on August 11, 2000, just weeks before Continental received its first aircraft. The airline ordered this aircraft variant to replace its aging Lockheed L-1011 TriStars, while Continental used them as replacements for the McDonnell Douglas DC-10.

Initial Routes and Expansion

Domestic and International Deployments

Delta began operating the Boeing 767-400ER on October 1, 2000, primarily flying heavy domestic trunk routes. Popular early routes included flights from Atlanta to major Florida cities. Over time, the aircraft became a key part of Delta’s international operations.

According to data from Cirium Diio, the most frequently served route over the past two decades has been New York JFK to London Heathrow. Other significant routes include:

  • Atlanta to London Heathrow (second-most flown)
  • New York JFK to Los Angeles (third)
  • Atlanta to Orlando (one of the original routes, now fourth)

Seating and Cabin Configuration

Delta’s Fourth-Highest Capacity Aircraft

Delta’s Boeing 767-400ERs were upgraded in 2007 for international service and received further cabin enhancements in 2019. These aircraft now have 238 seats in a four-class configuration:

  • 34 Delta One suites (business class)
  • 20 Premium Select recliners (premium economy)
  • 28 Comfort+ seats (extra legroom economy)
  • 156 Main Cabin seats (standard economy)

This layout makes the 767-400ER Delta’s fourth-largest aircraft in terms of capacity, behind the Airbus A350-900, A330-900, and A330-300. Additionally, 34% of the aircraft’s seats are classified as premium (Delta One, Premium Select, and Comfort+), ranking third in premium seat percentage after the A330-900 and A330-200.

Operational Plans for 2025

February 2025 Schedule

Delta plans to operate 941 flights with the 767-400ER in February 2025, reflecting a 13% increase in activity compared to the previous year. While the aircraft was widely used for domestic flights during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has since returned primarily to international routes, with 81% of its February 2025 flights being international.

Key Destinations and Routes

In February 2025, Delta will operate the Boeing 767-400ER on 14 routes to 13 airports. These include:

  • International routes (13 total) – London Heathrow, Paris CDG, and other key transatlantic destinations
  • Domestic route (1 total) – New York JFK to Los Angeles, one of the most profitable routes in the U.S.

March 2025 Temporary Route Changes

Delta will temporarily add the 767-400ER to two domestic routes in March:

  • New York JFK to San Diego – Daily flights from March 9 to March 29
  • Atlanta to Las Vegas – Daily flights from March 29 to April 13

These adjustments align with Delta’s seasonal transition to its summer schedule, starting March 30.

Despite its relatively small fleet size, the Boeing 767-400ER remains an essential part of Delta Air Lines’ international network. While aging, the aircraft continues to be used on high-demand transatlantic routes, supported by a comfortable four-class cabin. With increasing flight activity in 2025 and strategic route adjustments, Delta continues to make full use of this rare but reliable aircraft.