FedEx Stands by MD-11 Fleet After UPS Crash

FedEx is maintaining confidence in its aging MD-11 freighter fleet, with 18 parked and 57 in storage, despite an industry shake-up triggered by a fatal crash involving a similar aircraft operated by UPS in November 2025.

The accident, involving UPS Flight 2976 in Louisville, Kentucky, occurred when the left engine separated from the wing during takeoff, leading to a fiery crash that prompted immediate regulatory scrutiny. In response, the Federal Aviation Administration grounded all MD-11 aircraft pending comprehensive inspections and any required structural or maintenance corrections.

UPS subsequently announced it would retire its MD-11 fleet rather than return the tri-jet freighters to service, accelerating a transition toward more modern twin-engine cargo aircraft. FedEx, however, has taken a different stance. The Memphis-based integrator continues to project a positive long-term outlook for its 28 remaining MD-11 widebody freighters, describing them as an important part of its long-haul cargo network.

FedEx executives have emphasized that the MD-11, originally developed by McDonnell Douglas and later supported by Boeing following their merger, has a decades-long operational record in cargo service. The aircraft’s large payload capacity and intercontinental range have made it a workhorse for express operators connecting major global hubs.

Company officials say they are cooperating fully with FAA inspection directives and are confident that required structural checks and maintenance actions will allow the aircraft to safely return to service. FedEx has invested in ongoing upgrades and heavy maintenance programs to extend the operational life of its tri-jet fleet while gradually integrating newer Boeing 777 and 767 freighters.

Industry analysts note that cargo carriers often operate older aircraft longer than passenger airlines due to different utilization patterns and cost structures. However, they also acknowledge that the MD-11’s three-engine configuration is less fuel-efficient compared with modern twin-engine freighters, raising long-term economic questions.

The FAA’s findings from the UPS crash investigation will likely shape the timeline for any MD-11 return to service. In the meantime, FedEx has adjusted network capacity using other aircraft types to minimize operational disruption.

By signaling continued support for the MD-11, FedEx is underscoring its belief that the aircraft can remain a viable component of its global freight strategy, even as competitors pivot toward newer-generation cargo jets.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com