On this day in aviation history—June 13, 1990—a Boeing 767 set the record for the longest nonstop commercial flight by distance. The aircraft used was Boeing’s first production 767-200ER, registered CC-CEX. Aboard the flight were four crew members and twenty passengers. Departing from Seattle, Washington, and arriving in Nairobi, Kenya, the aircraft covered an impressive 9,253 miles nonstop over 17 hours and 22 minutes.
This record-breaking journey was part of a delivery flight, with the aircraft ultimately entering service with c (BI), based in Borneo. The Boeing 767 became a popular choice for Royal Brunei Airlines, which operated long-haul routes such as Frankfurt (via Bangkok and Dubai) and London (via Singapore and Dubai). The airline would go on to operate a total of eight 767s in its fleet.
The Boeing 767 itself began life as the “7X7” project on July 14, 1978. The prototype made its maiden flight on September 26, 1981, and the aircraft received certification on July 30, 1982. United Airlines was the launch customer for the 767-200, placing the type into service on September 8, 1982. The extended-range variant, the 767-200ER, joined United’s fleet in 1984.
N767BA, the first 767 built (the prototype), in flight over Mount Rainier, circa 1980s. Image via Wikipedia
The 767-200ER is powered by two GE CF6-80C2B4F engines, each producing 62,020 pounds of thrust. It typically carries a flight crew of two and can accommodate up to 249 passengers. The aircraft cruises at 459 KIAS, with a top speed of 491 KIAS. Today, most 767-200ERs serve as freighters, with major operators including ABX Air and Maersk Air Cargo. The 767 series remains one of Boeing’s most successful and enduring designs, continuing to transport both passengers and cargo around the world.
