Boeing 767 Nears Production End After 45-Year Run
Nearly half a century after its maiden flight, the venerable widebody's commercial passenger service is winding down while cargo and military variants keep the production line alive through 2027.
The Boeing 767, which completed its inaugural flight in 1981, is approaching the twilight of its production run as airlines increasingly turn to modern twin-aisle aircraft. While the jet has largely disappeared from new passenger fleet orders for over a decade, it has found extended relevance in freight operations and military applications before manufacturing ceases entirely.
Boeing ceased passenger variant deliveries more than ten years ago when Air Astana received the final 767-300ER. The last 767-400ER was handed over to Continental Airlines approximately 25 years ago. The rise of more efficient alternatives—notably the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A330neo—has rendered new passenger 767s obsolete, though existing examples continue flying with aging fleets at major carriers.
Delta Air Lines currently operates 57 of the aircraft, while United Airlines maintains 45 active units alongside eight in storage, according to tracking data. United has already retired 32 frames, and its remaining 767 fleet averages 28.8 years in service. Both carriers have set 2030 as their target retirement date for remaining 767-300ER and 767-400ER models. Japan Airlines, the largest 767 passenger operator outside North America, plans to phase out the type by 2028 in favor of the smaller Airbus A321neo.
The cargo sector has provided the 767 with a second act, capitalizing on characteristics including robust landing gear, appropriately sized payload capacity, and reliable General Electric CF6 powerplants. However, this chapter is also concluding. FedEx Express took delivery of its 152nd and final new-build 767-300F in May 2026, registered as N244FE. Overall production at Boeing's Everett facility is scheduled to terminate in 2027.
The aircraft's longest-lasting role may prove to be military service. The KC-46 Pegasus aerial refueling tanker, based on the 767 airframe, could see deliveries extending into the 2030s. The U.S. Air Force is expected to operate the variant for decades beyond the final commercial delivery, ensuring the 767 platform remains operationally relevant well into mid-century despite the end of civilian production.