Scheduled passenger flights on the Boeing 757 are rapidly declining, as only a small percentage remain operational. For instance, Delta Air Lines continues to utilize 102 Boeing 757-200s and 757-300s, while United Airlines operates 61 of the aircraft. Despite Delta being the largest operator of passenger 757s globally, none of its routes feature in this analysis, primarily due to the shorter distances covered by its services.
In September 2024, an investigation using data from Cirium revealed that several Boeing 757 flights exceeded eight hours in maximum block time. Notably, the flights listed below reflect the longest scheduled services for the month, as determined by published airline schedules.
Details of Long-Haul 757 Flights
The following routes operated by United Airlines and Icelandair were timed at over eight hours:
– **8h 40m**: Stockholm Arlanda to Newark (United, last departure on September 1)
– **8h 35m**: Malaga to Newark (United, daily service until September 24)
– **8h 30m**: Brussels to Newark (United, daily service)
– **8h 25m**: Bilbao to Newark (United, three weekly flights until September 24)
– **8h 25m**: Faro to Newark (United, four weekly flights until September 23)
– **8h 25m**: Edinburgh to Chicago O’Hare (United, daily service)
– **8h 15m**: Shannon to Chicago O’Hare (United, daily service until September 24)
– **8h 10m**: Edinburgh to Washington Dulles (United, daily service)
– **8h 05m**: Dublin to Washington Dulles (United, daily service)
– **8h 05m**: Keflavik to Denver (Icelandair, daily service)
– **8h 05m**: Keflavik to Portland (Icelandair, six weekly flights)
– **8h 05m**: Porto to Newark (United, two daily flights until September 24)
While these flights represent the longest services currently operated by the Boeing 757, the future of this aircraft type in commercial aviation appears uncertain. United’s incoming Airbus A321XLRs are expected to replace many of these 757 routes, marking a significant shift in the airline’s operational focus.
New Routes and Market Potential
United Airlines made headlines on May 16, 2025, when it launched the first-ever service from the United States to Faro, located in Southern Portugal’s Algarve region. This service, departing from Newark, is part of United’s strategy to expand its European offerings. Recent booking data indicates that the route achieved an impressive 84% seat occupancy in its initial months, although comprehensive fare and yield data remains unavailable.
Additionally, on May 31, United commenced flights from Newark to Bilbao, marking the first transatlantic connection for this Northern Spanish city. Currently, United’s Spanish operations encompass five airports: Barcelona, Bilbao, Madrid, Malaga, and Palma de Mallorca, following the discontinuation of service to Tenerife South.
Two routes operated by Icelandair were also noteworthy in September, with both Keflavik to Denver and Keflavik to Portland achieving a maximum block time of 8h 05m. These routes highlight Icelandair’s commitment to maintaining its 757 services, although frequency reductions are anticipated during the winter months. Looking ahead, Icelandair is planning a double daily service to Denver next summer, all operated with the 757-200.
As airlines adapt to changing market conditions, the future of the Boeing 757 remains precarious, with operators transitioning to more modern aircraft. While these long-haul flights continue to be a staple for some carriers, the overall trend indicates a decline in the use of this aircraft type within the industry.
