The Boeing 757 is a twin-engine, single-aisle medium range airliner that was design and built concurrently with the Boeing 767. Whilst initially used for short and mid-haul routes it was granted ETOPS approval in 1986 allowing it to fly intercontinental routes.
The B757 was originally developed by Boeing as a replacement for the B727. The B757 was first flown in 1982 and then entered service with Eastern Air Lines in January 1983. Over it’s lifetime 1,050 Boeing 757s have been built including the B757-200 model, the B757-200M, the B757-200PF and the longer B757-300. The B757 was developed with a high thrust-to-weight ratio making it ideal for short runways and operations in hot and high conditions. This didn’t go unnoticed by some of the world’s leisure carriers where this type of performance was the perfect fit. It was also a component of many the world’s major flag carriers such as Delta Air Lines, British Airways, American Airlines and United Airlines. Boeing brought production of the B757 to and end in 2003 in part due to increased capabilities of the B737 and development of the B787.
Condor Flugdienst GmbH (DE/CFG) has announced that in November 2025 it will operate the last scheduled flight in its history with a Boeing 757-300, closing a 35-year service of the 757 in its fleet, including the -200 and -300 versions. Boeing 757-200 Starting in 1990, Condor began to modernize and expand its fleet, adding its first Boeing 757-200 and Boeing
FedEx Express (FX/FDX) is one of the world’s largest cargo airlines. Founded as ‘Federal Express’
The Boeing 757 has earned its place in aviation history. A firm favorite amongst airlines
Northern Pacific Airways recently announced plans to launch flights between Ontario International Airport in Southern
FedEx Express (FX/FDX) is one of the world’s largest cargo airlines. Founded as ‘Federal Express’
The Boeing 757 has earned its place in aviation history. A firm favorite amongst airlines
Northern Pacific Airways recently announced plans to launch flights between Ontario International Airport in Southern
The Boeing 757 is a flight tracking fan favourite due to its instantly recognisable appearance and superb versatility. Whilst its still possible to fly on the B757, particularly in the US it’s also common to see the aircraft utilised in cargo operations with the likes of FedEx, UPS Airlines and DHL. The B757 also till operates transatlantic routes with United, Icelandair and Delta. One of the most iconic images of Boeing 757’s is the arrival of one into the famous Sint Maarten Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM/TNCM) and it’s still possible to see Delta operating the type into SXM. In slightly colder climes, the Royal New Zealand Air Force also utilise the 757 for resupply flights to Antarctica.
| Variant | B757-200 | B757-200F | B757-300 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engines | 2 x Rolls-Royce RB211 or Pratt & Whitney PW2000 | 2 x Rolls-Royce RB211 or Pratt & Whitney PW2000 | 2 x Rolls-Royce RB211 or Pratt & Whitney PW2000 |
| Height | 13.6m / 44.6ft | 13.6m / 44.6ft | 13.6m / 44.6ft |
| Length | 47.3m / 155.3ft | 47.3m / 155.3ft | 54.4m / 178.7ft |
| Wingspan | 38.0m / 124.10ft | 38.0m / 124.10ft | 38.0m / 124.10ft |
| Cruise / Maximum speed | Mach 0.80 / 0.86 | Mach 0.80 / 0.86 | Mach 0.80 / 0.86 |
| Range | 7,250km / 3,15nm | 5,435km / 2,935nm | 6,295km / 3,400nm |
| Max passenger load | 239 max | 5 max | 295 max |
There are two engine options available for the Boeing 757, the Rolls-Roce RB211 and the Pratt & Whitney PW2000.
With the final Boeing 757 being built in 2005 a used type currently has an estimated cost of between $4M and $11M depending on age and specification.
After 23 years of production the last Boeing 757 rolled off the production in November 2005 and was delivered to Shanghai Airlines.
In total there have been 206 airlines and operators that put the Boeing 757 into service. The original launch customer of the B757-200 was Eastern Air Lines and Condor was the launch customer for the B757-300.
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