Dutchie, my point exactly. The 767 and A330 are very similar in most respects . . . I would say, (and I don't want to get into a Boeing/Airbus debate, and this is only my opinion only) that the 767-300ER is a
slightly better aircraft, but the A330 certainly has higher capacity and therefore is possibly more attractive to airlines.
Therefore, if Boeing were to improve upon the 767 (and not just put in a few fuselage plugs and seatback TVs and call it the -400
) they would get increased interest.
The 767 fuselage is but one seat less wide than that of the A330/A340, (Airbus obviously knew this, the 767 being out 10 years before!) and the 763 and the 332 are almost the same length. The 767 fuselage is spacious, roomy and comfortable enough as it is, but to add the capacity, Boeing couldn't do better than to widen the 767-400 fuselage. It would cost plenty to develop, sure, but it would revitalize the so-called "slow selling" production line, and it would infinitely less expensive to design than an entire new aircraft which would just be more of the same anyway.
The widening would create more cargo space, plus about 50 more seats. The last step would be a re-engine, upgrading to the latest (PW4000, a downgraded GE90 even, and the RR Trent's biggest and best). This would improve MTOW figures and would easily match the A330's competition.
Of course, if Boeing wants to spend the money on a project that has no real sign of working, they can do that too.
(I do dislike change. I really do.)
SFly