The Boeing 757-300 is the stretched version of the 757-200, designed to provide increased seating capacity for airlines operating high-demand routes. First entering service in 1999, the 757-300 offers more room for passengers and cargo while maintaining many of the same operational advantages as the 757-200, such as excellent fuel efficiency and range. The 757-300 was aimed at markets that required additional capacity but did not justify the need for a larger wide-body aircraft.

Despite its larger size, the 757-300 retains the same high-performance engines and wing design as the -200, allowing it to offer the same operational efficiency. The extended fuselage enables it to carry more passengers without significantly compromising its range or versatility, making it ideal for airlines seeking to optimize their fleets for medium- and long-haul routes.

Key Specifications (757-300)

• Crew: 2 (Pilots).
• Capacity: Typically 243–295 passengers, depending on configuration.
• Length: 54.43 m (178 ft 7 in).
• Wingspan: 38.05 m (124 ft 10 in).
• Height: 13.56 m (44 ft 6 in).
• Max Takeoff Weight (MTOW): 121,000 kg (267,000 lb).
• Engines: 2 × Rolls-Royce RB211 or Pratt & Whitney PW2000 turbofans.
• Cruise Speed: Mach 0.80 (~850 km/h or 528 mph).
• Range: ~3,850 km (2,400 mi).
• Ceiling: 42,000 ft (12,800 m).

Notable Features

• Increased Capacity: The 757-300 offers a significant increase in passenger capacity compared to the 757-200, making it ideal for high-demand routes where additional seating is required.
• Same Performance: Despite the increased size, the 757-300 retains the same fuel efficiency, range, and performance characteristics as the 757-200, allowing airlines to operate on both short and medium-haul routes without significant penalties.
• Comfortable Cabin: Like the 757-200, the 757-300 features a spacious cabin that allows for flexible seating configurations, including high-density economy layouts and more spacious two-class configurations.
• Operational Flexibility: The 757-300 can operate from airports with shorter runways, making it versatile for airlines that need to access regional or secondary airports.
• Cargo Capability: The aircraft can also carry significant amounts of cargo in its belly hold, making it useful for airlines with both passenger and freight needs.

Variants

• 757-300F: The freighter version of the 757-300, equipped for transporting large volumes of goods.
• 757-300M: A multi-role version of the 757-300, capable of being used for both passenger and cargo services.

Operators & Usage

• Passenger Operations: The 757-300 has been used by airlines like Condor, TUI, and the now-defunct Monarch Airlines. It has been deployed primarily for medium-haul routes and high-demand services.
• Cargo Operations: The freighter version of the 757-300 is used by operators like DHL and FedEx for cargo services due to its large cargo hold and operational flexibility.
• Retirement and Replacement: The 757-300 has seen a gradual decline in service as airlines transition to more fuel-efficient aircraft like the Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A321XLR for similar route lengths.