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Boeing 767-300ER vs. McDonnell Douglas MD-11

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767-300ER

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MD-11

Price (USD)
$105 Million$75 Million
First Flight
19861990
Body Type
Wide-bodyWide-body
Length
54 m180 ft
61 m202 ft
Wingspan
47 m156 ft
52 m170 ft
Wing Area
283 m²3,049 ft²
338 m²3,647 ft²
Fuselage Width
5 m16 ft
6 m19 ft
Height
15 m51 ft
17.7m 57 ft
Max Takeoff Weight
186,900 kg412,044 lbs
273,294 kg602,510 lbs
Number of Engines
23
Engine Options
Pratt & Whitney PW4000 / General Electric CF6 / Rolls-Royce RB211General Electric CF6 / Pratt & Whitney 4000
Max Thrust Per Engine
274 kN61,500 lbf
274 kN61,500 lbf
Max Total Thrust
548 kN123,000 lbf
822 kN123,000 lbf
Fuel Capacity
90,700 l23,960 gal
146,173 l38,615 gal
Range
11,070 km5,977 nm
12,455 km6,725 nm
Cruise Speed
850 km/h528 mph
876 km/h544 mph
Typical Seating
261 pax298 pax
Max Seating
351 pax410 pax

What Are the Differences Between the Boeing 767-300ER and McDonnell Douglas MD-11

Boeing 767-300ER vs McDonnell Douglas MD-11 Size Comparison

  • At 61.60 meters, the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 is 6.70 meters longer than the Boeing 767-300ER.
  • With a wingspan of 52 meters, the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 is 4.40 meters wider from wingtip to wingtip.
  • The Boeing 767-300ER and McDonnell Douglas MD-11 have heights of 15.80 meters and 17.70 meters respectively - making the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 1.90 meters taller.

Boeing 767-300ER vs McDonnell Douglas MD-11 Range

  • McDonnell Douglas MD-11’s range of 12,455 kilometers is greater than Boeing 767-300ER’s range of 11,070 kilometers. Therefore, the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 can fly nonstop approximately 1,385 kilometers further.
  • The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 can hold 38,615 gallons of fuel, which is 14,655 gallons more than the Boeing 767-300ER’s tank capacity of 23,960 gallons.

Boeing 767-300ER vs McDonnell Douglas MD-11 Seating

  • In a typical seating configuration, the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 can accommodate 298 passengers, which is about 37 passengers more than Boeing 767-300ER’s seating capacity.
  • The McDonnell Douglas MD-11’s max seating capacity is 410 passengers, compared to 351 passengers of the Boeing 767-300ER.

About the Boeing 767-300ER

The Boeing 767-300ER, an extended-range variant of the 767 family, entered service in 1988 as a response to the growing demand for efficient and versatile wide-body aircraft. This model, with its significant enhancements in range and capacity, has become a staple in the fleets of various airlines for long-haul operations. At its peak in the 1990's, a brand new 767-300ER was valued at roughly $85 million.

With a length of 54.9 meters (180.2 feet) and a wingspan of 47.6 meters (156.2 feet), the 767-300ER is designed for operational efficiency in both airport compatibility and aerodynamics. The wing area of 283.3 square meters (3049.4 square feet) contributes to the aircraft's stable and efficient flight characteristics, especially over extended distances.

The -300ER's increased range was made possible by larger fuel tanks and a higher max takeoff weight (MTOW) of 407,000 lbs (185,000 kgs). The updated variant has a fuel capacity of 90,700 liters (23,960 US gallons), allowing it to cover distances of up to 11,070 kilometers (5,977 nautical miles). This capability makes it particularly suitable for transcontinental and transoceanic routes, offering airlines the flexibility to connect distant cities with fewer stops. Engines options for the -300ER included Pratt & Whitney PW4000s, General Electric CF6s, or Rolls-Royce RB211s. These were capable of a total maximum thrust of 548.0 kN (123,000 lbf). The aircraft exhibits robust performance, necessary for long-haul flights carrying a full load of both passengers and cargo.

The cabin of the 767-300ER is designed to typically seat 261 passengers in a dual-class layout, with the potential to accommodate up to 351 passengers in a high-density configuration. The typical layout includes a spacious business class and a larger economy class, often arranged in a 2-3-2 seat configuration, balancing passenger comfort and density.

Competing in the wide-body market, the Boeing 767-300ER has faced competition from aircraft such as the Airbus A330 and the smaller A300. These models offer similar long-range capabilities and passenger capacities, making the market segment highly competitive. Many carriers have operated the 767-300ER, including Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, British Airways, Japan Airlines, and All Nippon Airways. These carriers have leveraged the aircraft's range and capacity to effectively serve a variety of long-haul routes, underlining its role as a versatile and reliable option in their fleet.

The Boeing 767-300ER's introduction and subsequent service record reflect its importance in the evolution of wide-body aircraft, particularly in the context of long-haul commercial aviation. Its combination of range, capacity, and operational flexibility has solidified its position as a significant player in the global aviation industry.

About the McDonnell Douglas MD-11

The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 is a wide-body, tri-jet airliner, recognized for its extended range and enhanced capabilities in long-haul commercial aviation. As a successor to the iconic DC-10, the MD-11 incorporated advanced technology and design improvements, making it a significant model in the evolution of wide-body aircraft. The MD-11 took its maiden flight in 1990, and was produced until the turn of the 21st century. There are no MD-11s servicing passenger flights today, but some MD-11 are still being used for freight operations with FedEx, UPS, and Western Global Airlines.

With a length of 61.6 meters (202.1 feet), the MD-11 is notably longer than the DC-10, which provided increased passenger and cargo capacity. This extension in length was complemented by a wingspan of 52.0 meters (170.5 feet), which included winglets for improved aerodynamic efficiency. The MD-11's was equipped with GE CF6-80C2s or PW4000 turbofan engines, which delivered a total maximum thrust of 822.0 kN (123,000 lbf). With a substantial fuel capacity of 146,173 liters (38,615 US gallons), the MD-11 boasts a range of approximately 12,455 kilometers (6,725 nautical miles), enabling it to operate on intercontinental routes with ease.

The MD-11 comfortably accommodated 298 passengers, and could be designed to fit over 340 in a higher density configuration. The most common configurations for the twin aisle jet included 9 seats to a row (3-3-3 or 3-4-2).

In the competitive landscape of long-haul airliners, the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 was positioned as an alternative to models like the Boeing 747 and the Lockheed L-1011 TriStar. By 2004, most carriers that utilized the MD-11 for long-haul passenger routes had replaced it with the Airbus A330, A340, and Boeing 777. When Boeing acquired McDonnell Douglas in 1997, it ultimately created internal competition for the MD-11 with the 767 and 777. A lack of interest from the market also lead to Boeing cutting production for the commercial variant short, while the freight version was continued for slightly longer.

KLM, Swissair, and Delta Air Lines were among the airlines who utilized the aircraft's range and capacity to expand their international route offerings. The MD-11's operational role was characterized by its ability to efficiently serve long-haul routes, offering a blend of passenger comfort and operational economics. Some airlines like China Eastern Airlines and Korean Air had converted their MD-11 aircraft into freighters rather than selling or retiring them.

The MD-11's production and service history reflect its role as a pivotal model in the wide-body aircraft segment. Its design and technological advancements, including the use of winglets and a glass cockpit, marked important steps in the advancement of commercial aircraft design. Although its production was eventually surpassed by more modern aircraft, the MD-11 remains a notable aircraft in the history of aviation, particularly for its contributions to long-haul air travel.

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Values shown may not be 100% accurate, as some metrics are averages or only represent certain production years and configurations. Engine specs are based on the best options available.

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