The 767, launched by United, was popular at that time for two reasons: one is the fuel efficiency compared to its predecessors of the time, the DC-10 and the L-1011, and the other one was ETOPS certification. It became a very popular aircraft for TATL flights although its competitors the A310 and the new new A330 were.

The Boeing 767 maintains its popularity in 2026 primarily as a freighter and military tanker, rather than a passenger jet. Its "just right" size—a wingspan of 156 feet—allows it to fit into many airports and gates that newer, wider planes cannot. Unlike modern jets built with composite materials, the 767’s robust aluminum airframe is ideal for the heavy point loads and frequent "hard" landings typical of cargo operations. It also features a flat main deck, making it much easier and cheaper to convert from passenger to freighter (P2F) compared to competitors like the Airbus A330. While production for the freighter model is slated to end soon due to environmental regulations, the existing fleet is expected to fly until the 2060s. For airlines like FedEx and UPS, the 767 remains the "gold standard" for medium-to-long-haul cargo, offering reliable performance and a proven track record that newer designs have yet to fully replace.