CRBC News
Culture
Society
Security
Health
Conflict
Science
Technology
Politics
Environment
Lifestyle
Economy

UPS Warns MD-11 Fleet Won't Return in Time for Holiday Peak; Inspections Could Take Months

UPS warned employees that the MD-11 cargo jets grounded after a Nov. 4 crash in Louisville are unlikely to return before the holiday peak because inspections and repairs could take several months. The crash killed 14 people and injured at least 23 when the aircraft's left engine separated during takeoff. UPS has 109 MD-11 freighters (average age >30 years), representing roughly 9% of its fleet and 4% of FedEx's. Boeing will draft inspection and corrective procedures for FAA approval while UPS leans on contingency plans to meet seasonal demand.

06:43 PM, 11/28/2025Economy
UPS Warns MD-11 Fleet Won't Return in Time for Holiday Peak; Inspections Could Take Months

UPS told employees in an internal memo that the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 freighters it grounded after a November 4 accident in Louisville are unlikely to be back in service for the upcoming holiday peak. The carrier now expects inspections and any necessary repairs to stretch into several months as it works to meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidance.

In the memo, UPS Airlines president Bill Moore said the timeline has been extended after Boeing’s ongoing evaluation found that inspections and corrective work will be more extensive than initially believed. A UPS spokesperson said the company will rely on contingency plans to maintain deliveries and "will take the time needed to ensure that every aircraft is safe."

What happened

On November 4 in Louisville, Kentucky, an MD-11 cargo jet suffered a catastrophic failure when its left engine separated during takeoff. The accident killed 14 people and injured at least 23. Cargo operators grounded MD-11s fleetwide shortly afterward, and the FAA subsequently directed operators to follow inspection procedures.

Fleet and operational impact

There are 109 MD-11 freighters remaining in service, with an average age of more than 30 years. Those aircraft are used exclusively for cargo and account for roughly 9% of UPS’s airline fleet and about 4% of FedEx’s. With inspections and repairs expected to take months rather than weeks, carriers will need to rely on backup aircraft, partner networks and logistics adjustments during a critical delivery period.

Boeing and FAA roles

Boeing — which became the MD-11 manufacturer after its 1997 merger with McDonnell Douglas — is preparing inspection procedures and technical guidance for operators. The FAA will review and approve Boeing’s instructions before they are implemented. UPS has said it will follow regulators’ guidance and prioritize safety as work proceeds.

What to expect next

As inspections and any corrective actions progress, shippers and customers may see changes in routing and delivery timing during the holiday surge. UPS says contingency plans are in place to limit disruption, but the reduced MD-11 availability could tighten air cargo capacity if the work takes several months.

Bottom line: Safety-first inspections mean the MD-11s will likely be out of service through the peak holiday period, requiring contingency logistics to cover the shortfall.

Similar Articles

Trending

UPS Warns MD-11 Fleet Won't Return in Time for Holiday Peak; Inspections Could Take Months - CRBC News