UPS and FedEx Ground Entire MD-11 Fleets After Deadly Crash

Both UPS and FedEx have temporarily grounded their McDonnell Douglas MD-11 fleets following the deadly UPS crash in Louisville that claimed fourteen lives. The move marks one of the most significant coordinated safety actions in the cargo aviation sector in recent years, reflecting growing concern over the aging three-engine aircraft type.

An internal memo from the Independent Pilots Association (IPA) confirmed the decision: “Moments ago, the IPA Executive Board was informed that the company has decided, effective immediately, to ground the MD-11 fleet. We understand that crewmembers will have many questions about this announcement and the EB will update the pilot group as necessary.”

UPS Leads with Proactive Safety Measures

In the wake of the Louisville tragedy, UPS announced the immediate grounding of its MD-11 fleet as a proactive safety measure. The company emphasized that this decision was made out of “an abundance of caution” while investigators continue to examine the cause of the crash. Approximately nine percent of UPS’s global fleet consists of MD-11 aircraft, making the move a significant operational shift.

The aircraft manufacturer and several independent safety experts reportedly recommended precautionary grounding while inspection procedures are underway. UPS management echoed those recommendations, citing its commitment to “the safety and well-being of its employees and the communities it serves.” The carrier’s swift action underscores the company’s longstanding reputation for prioritizing operational safety over efficiency and sets an example for industry-wide accountability.

While the grounding is expected to temporarily affect UPS’s delivery network, the decision demonstrates a strong commitment to maintaining public trust. By prioritizing safety over schedule reliability, UPS reaffirms its dedication to preventing future incidents and ensuring that safety remains central to its business model.

The Role and Risks of the MD-11

The McDonnell Douglas MD-11, a wide-body, three-engine aircraft introduced in the 1990s, has long served as a workhorse for global cargo carriers. Known for its range and payload efficiency, the aircraft has been central to operations for UPS, FedEx, and other freight companies. However, the MD-11’s complex flight dynamics, combined with its age and history of hard landings, have made it a focus of safety discussions over the years.

UPS has relied on the MD-11 for high-volume, long-haul routes connecting North America, Europe, and Asia. Yet, as the fleet ages and newer aircraft like the Boeing 767-300ERF and 777-200LRF take center stage, questions surrounding the MD-11’s safety performance have resurfaced. The Louisville crash has amplified those concerns, pushing carriers to re-examine their reliance on the aging type.

FedEx Mirrors UPS with Grounding Order

Shortly after UPS’s announcement, FedEx confirmed it would also ground its MD-11 fleet pending further review. FedEx said the move aligns with its internal safety protocols and broader industry standards, emphasizing that “safety takes precedence over operations.” The carrier’s decision, while operationally disruptive, reflects a shared industry commitment to ensure that no aircraft type poses a risk to crew or cargo.

FedEx’s grounding order impacts dozens of aircraft and numerous long-haul freight routes. The company has activated contingency plans to minimize disruptions, including shifting capacity to Boeing 777-200LRF and 767-300ERF aircraft where available. FedEx also stated that its technical teams are conducting “comprehensive inspections” and collaborating with aviation authorities to determine whether additional maintenance procedures are required before resuming MD-11 operations.

As of late 2025, there are approximately 40 to 50 McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft still active in service, all operating as freighters.

MD-11 Active Fleet Snapshot (2025)

FedEx Express: Operates the largest MD-11 fleet, with 74 aircraft, though many are being gradually retired and replaced by Boeing 767 and 777 freighters.
Converted MD-11s from passenger use: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Swissair, and KLM.
FedEx also received some MD-11Fs directly from McDonnell Douglas as freighters.
UPS Airlines: Operates 43 MD-11s, with 28 still active as of late 2025.
Converted MD-11s from passenger use: Varig, Alitalia, China Eastern, and Thai Airways.
UPS also acquired MD-11s from Lufthansa Cargo after their retirement in 2021.
Western Global Airlines: Operates 17 MD-11s, but only 2 are currently active.
Converted MD-11s from passenger use: Finnair, Japan Airlines, and Martinair.
Many of these were acquired secondhand from other cargo operators like Lufthansa and World Airways.

Decline in Active Use

The MD-11 is no longer used for passenger service; its last commercial passenger flight was in 2014.
Following a recent fatal crash involving a UPS MD-11, Boeing has recommended that all operators temporarily ground the aircraft pending further investigation.
The aircraft’s age, fuel inefficiency, and maintenance costs have accelerated its retirement from most fleets.

A Turning Point for Cargo Aviation Safety

The dual grounding by UPS and FedEx signals a pivotal moment for the air cargo industry. While such a move carries major logistical consequences, it reinforces a collective emphasis on safety and operational integrity. Experts believe the coordinated action could accelerate the phaseout of older tri-jet models in favor of more modern, fuel-efficient, and technologically advanced aircraft.

As investigators continue to probe the Louisville crash, both UPS and FedEx have pledged transparency and full cooperation with authorities. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder that, in aviation, safety remains paramount. The lessons learned will likely shape future fleet strategies and reinforce the industry’s commitment to ensuring every flight—whether carrying passengers or packages—meets the highest safety standards.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, UPS.com, fedex.com, usatoday.com