Summary
The Boeing 757 has always punched above its weight. Even decades after production ended, some carriers still fly surprisingly long transatlantic and transcontinental services with this narrowbody. For aviation enthusiasts, catching a 757 on one of its longest hauls is a treat — a testament to the design’s endurance and niche usefulness.
Let’s explore some of the world’s longest scheduled 757 routes — where they fly, how they do it, and what makes them special.
Why the 757 Can Still Go the Distance
Delta’s oldest 757, N649DL.
Before diving into routes, it helps to understand how a “narrowbody” jet like the 757 can cover long sectors:
- Many 757s are modified or operated in extended-range configurations, sometimes flying lighter to stretch capability.
- Airlines may use them on thin transatlantic markets — where demand doesn’t justify a widebody but the distance is still significant.
- Fuel costs, weight management, favorable winds, and load balancing all play a role in whether a route is viable with a 757.
The Longest 757 Routes Flying Today
Here are several of the most notable long 757 routes, based on recent schedules and data:
- Newark (EWR) – Stockholm (ARN)
- Distance: ~3,415 nautical miles
- Block time: Up to 8h 40m during summer seasons.
- Airline: United Airlines
- This route is frequently cited as the longest regularly scheduled 757 route in the world.
- It shows how the 757 can still be used across the Atlantic in the right market conditions.
- Chicago (ORD) – Edinburgh (EDI)
- Distance: ~3,226 nautical miles
- Airline: United Airlines
- This is another seasonal transatlantic service that tests the upper limits of 757 capability.
- Newark (EWR) – Malaga (AGP)
- Distance: ~3,195 nautical miles
- Airline: United Airlines
- A seasonal leisure route between the U.S. East Coast and Andalusian coast — unusual but viable in summer peaks.
- Newark (EWR) – Brussels (BRU)
- Distance: ~3,198 nautical miles
- Airline: United Airlines
- Another example of 757s on longer European routes in demand periods.
- Newark (EWR) – Lima (LIM)
- Distance: ~3,155 nautical miles
- Airline: United Airlines
- This route shows how 757s can be pressed into service on surprising long-distance markets beyond the Atlantic.
Beyond the Top: Other Long 757 Sectors
The outgoing Icelandair Boeing 757 fleet. Photo (c) Andy Pope
- Icelandair’s Reykjavík (KEF) – Portland (PDX): Often cited as one of the longest narrowbody flights, though this route and its aircraft deployment are somewhat seasonal and subject to fleet transitions.
- Other United 757 transatlantic hops: Routes like EWR-DUB, ORD-DUB, or variations to European capitals sometimes make lists of the top 10 long 757 services.
What Makes These Routes Special?
- Rarity factor: In most of the world, the 757 is now rare. To see one doing an 8-hour transatlantic flight is exceptional.
- Aircraft swaps: Because of seasonal, operational or maintenance factors, even if a route is scheduled for 757s, it might occasionally be flown by an A321XLR, A321neo, or other types. That keeps the spotting game interesting.
- Loggable types: For enthusiasts collecting 757s (especially in longer sectors), these are must-log flights.
- Operational stories: These routes often have interesting backstories — why 757 is chosen over a larger widebody, payload limits, and how airlines extend range via weight control or favorable winds.
Looking Ahead: Will They Last?
André Gerwing, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
As airlines modernize fleets and shift toward more efficient twinjets (e.g. A321XLR, A321neo LR), the number of ultra-long 757 services is likely to shrink further. Many of these routes are already seasonal or under threat of aircraft replacement.
Still, for the moment, these long 757 hauls remain a fascinating chapter in narrowbody aviation. If you’re lucky enough to catch one, you’re witnessing a piece of aviation resilience.
Boeing 757 Timelines
Our hardback book, Boeing 757 Timelines, charts the development and operational life of the Boeing 757 – one of the truly great airliner types of the past 40 years. See which airlines flew (and fly) it, the special variants, cargo operators and VIP uses. Also includes a special look at the British Airways and Jet2 757 fleets.
Boeing 757 Timelines by Nigel Richardson. Order Here.
