747-8 Intercontinental vs 767-300ER
The 747-8 Intercontinental leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Boeing Commercial Airplanes 747-8 Intercontinental (introduced 2012) against the Boeing Commercial Airplanes 767-300ER (introduced 1988) is a common decision, and the two sit closer on paper than the badges suggest. Both are commercial, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the 747-8 Intercontinental carries more passengers. The spec-by-spec breakdown below is followed by a mission-fit read and a buyer's recommendation.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
747-8 Intercontinental vs 767-300ER: the key differences
- The 747-8 Intercontinental delivers 21% more range (747-8 Intercontinental: 7,730 nm; 767-300ER: 6,385 nm).
- The 747-8 Intercontinental delivers 8% more cruise speed (747-8 Intercontinental: 495 kt; 767-300ER: 459 kt).
- The 747-8 Intercontinental delivers 33% more passenger capacity (747-8 Intercontinental: 467 seats; 767-300ER: 351 seats).
- The 747-8 Intercontinental is the newer design (introduced 2012 versus 1988 for the 767-300ER), a gap of 24 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The 747-8 Intercontinental is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (987,000 lbs versus 412,775 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
- The two differ in powerplant layout: the 747-8 Intercontinental runs 4 engines against 2 on the 767-300ER — a factor in redundancy, maintenance scope and operating cost.
Which mission suits which aircraft
Both aircraft are built for nonstop ultra-long-haul routes, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the 747-8 Intercontinental seats more), trip economics and what is actually available on the market. Match the airframe to how you fly most weeks, not to the headline range figure.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the 747-8 Intercontinental leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 767-300ER can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
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747-8 Intercontinental vs 767-300ER: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 747-8 Intercontinental or the 767-300ER?
The 747-8 Intercontinental has the longer published range — 7,730 nm versus 6,385 nm for the 767-300ER.
Does the 747-8 Intercontinental or 767-300ER seat more passengers?
The 747-8 Intercontinental carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 467 seats, compared with 351 on the 767-300ER.
Which is faster, the 747-8 Intercontinental or the 767-300ER?
The 747-8 Intercontinental cruises faster, at 495 kt versus 459 kt for the 767-300ER.
Which is newer, the 747-8 Intercontinental or the 767-300ER?
The 747-8 Intercontinental is the newer design, introduced in 2012 versus 1988 for the 767-300ER.
Is the 747-8 Intercontinental or the 767-300ER the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the 747-8 Intercontinental is the larger aircraft — 987,000 lbs versus 412,775 lbs for the 767-300ER.
Should I buy the 747-8 Intercontinental or the 767-300ER?
On published specifications the 747-8 Intercontinental leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 767-300ER can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
Still weighing up the 747-8 Intercontinental vs 767-300ER?
Specs only take you so far. Our advisors give an independent recommendation based on your mission, budget and how you actually fly — and represent your side through to purchase.