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767-400 Offers Improved Operating Economics
The Boeing 767-400 Extended Range (ER) airplane is the latest addition to the 767 family. Design of the 767-400ER, a stretched version of the 767-300ER, began in January 1997. The rollout of the first aircraft is planned for August 1999, with the first flight in October. The 767-400ER will add 21 feet to the length of the 767-300 airframe and will offer about 15 percent more seats — 245 in a three class configuration and 304 in a two class configuration. The added seats will reduce operating costs relative to the 767-300ER, which already offers airlines the lowest operating costs in its class. The new derivative will fly all U.S. domestic routes, and will serve international markets such as Los Angeles – London, New York – Santiago, Chile, and Seattle – Osaka, Japan. In addition to improved operating economics, the 767-400ER incorporates design features proposed by airline customers to make the airplane even more appealing. The most significant change from the passenger perspective is an all-new interior. The 767-400ER interior architecture, with newly sculpted side walls, ceilings and overhead stow bins, creates a feeling of spaciousness similar to the 777. The bins provide more usable stowage volume than existing 767s. The airplane retains features that have earned the 767 passenger ratings as one of the most preferred airplanes in every class of service. For example, independent research has shown the seven-abreast seating layout is popular because 87 percent of the seats are next to a window or aisle. The 767-400ER offers pilots an improved flight deck that incorporates six flat-panel displays, with a layout similar to that used on the 777, Next-Generation 737 and 747-400. The 767-400ER will have the same pilot-type rating as the current 767 fleet. Delivery of the first 767-400ER to launch customer Delta Air Lines is scheduled for May 2000.
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