FedEx plans to resume MD-11 freighter operations
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After being grounded for nearly six months, FedEx announced it will resume operations of its MD-11 freighter fleet in May.
On November 4, 2025, a UPS MD-11 freighter crashed in Louisville, killing two pilots and 12 people on the ground. Following the accident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) quickly issued an Emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD), requiring all MD-11 freighter operators worldwide to conduct a comprehensive inspection of their aircraft.
As a result, FedEx grounded its entire MD-11 freighter fleet for technical checks. FedEx subsequently collaborated with Boeing and the FAA to identify problems and prepare for the return to service.
FedEx recently stated that its MD-11 freighters are "ready to resume operations."
Previously, FedEx had stated its intention to complete its return-to-service arrangements within the fourth quarter of its fiscal year 2026, ending May 31. With regulatory reviews progressing, the affected aircraft are expected to gradually return to service in May.
According to Planespotters data, FedEx currently operates 29 MD-11 freighters, all of which are grounded. These aircraft are generally over 30 years old, with the oldest being 36 years old.
UPS has officially retired all its MD-11F fleet in the fourth quarter of 2025 and has confirmed that it will replace them with Boeing 767 freighters.
In addition, Western Trans World Airlines' 15 MD-11F fleets are also currently grounded, with no clear plan for their return to service.
Although the initial grounding of the MD-11 freighter fleet raised concerns about cargo capacity shortages, the actual impact has been relatively limited. Industry insiders generally believe that this aircraft type primarily handles domestic and regional routes within the United States, with minimal impact on international air cargo supply.
Further Reading: UPS, Boeing, FedEx, Federal Aviation Administration
