767-300ER vs MD-11
The MD-11 leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Boeing Commercial Airplanes 767-300ER (introduced 1988) against the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 (introduced 1990) 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 MD-11 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.
767-300ER vs MD-11: the key differences
- The MD-11 delivers 7% more range (767-300ER: 6,385 nm; MD-11: 6,840 nm).
- The MD-11 delivers 3% more cruise speed (767-300ER: 459 kt; MD-11: 473 kt).
- The MD-11 delivers 17% more passenger capacity (767-300ER: 351 seats; MD-11: 410 seats).
- The MD-11 is the newer design (introduced 1990 versus 1988 for the 767-300ER), a gap of 2 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The MD-11 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (630,500 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 767-300ER runs 2 engines against 3 on the MD-11 — 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 MD-11 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 MD-11 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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767-300ER vs MD-11: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 767-300ER or the MD-11?
The MD-11 has the longer published range — 6,840 nm versus 6,385 nm for the 767-300ER.
Does the 767-300ER or MD-11 seat more passengers?
The MD-11 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 410 seats, compared with 351 on the 767-300ER.
Which is faster, the 767-300ER or the MD-11?
The MD-11 cruises faster, at 473 kt versus 459 kt for the 767-300ER.
Which is newer, the 767-300ER or the MD-11?
The MD-11 is the newer design, introduced in 1990 versus 1988 for the 767-300ER.
Is the 767-300ER or the MD-11 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the MD-11 is the larger aircraft — 630,500 lbs versus 412,775 lbs for the 767-300ER.
Should I buy the 767-300ER or the MD-11?
On published specifications the MD-11 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 767-300ER vs MD-11?
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.