UPS Retires MD-11 Fleet Following Deadly Kentucky Crash
- David S
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
UPS Retires MD-11 Cargo Planes After Fatal Louisville Crash
UPS has announced the retirement of its McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo planes following the November 4, 2025 crash in Louisville, Kentucky, which killed 15 people, including the three-person crew. CEO Carol Tome confirmed during a fourth-quarter earnings call that the company is accelerating plans to remove all MD-11 aircraft from its fleet.
The crash, which occurred shortly after takeoff from Muhammad Ali International Airport, saw the plane’s left engine detach, leaving the aircraft barely 30 feet off the ground before it crashed. The tragic accident also affected people on the ground, striking nearby facilities including a petroleum recycling plant and an auto salvage yard.
FAA Grounding and Safety Concerns
In the wake of the crash, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grounded all MD-11s in the United States, citing safety concerns. The FAA continues to investigate “all the facts and circumstances” surrounding the accident before determining whether the aircraft could return to service.
Other airlines with MD-11 fleets, including FedEx and Western Global Airlines, also had their planes grounded. FedEx is reportedly working with federal authorities to assess repairs before resuming flights.
Fleet Modernization Plans
The MD-11s made up roughly 9% of UPS’s fleet. Writing them off led to an after-tax charge of $137 million. To rebuild capacity, UPS plans to receive 18 new Boeing 767 aircraft over the next 15 months. During the peak holiday season, the company had to temporarily rely on planes from other regions, lease additional aircraft, and increase ground transportation volumes to maintain operations.
CEO Tome praised UPS employees and the Louisville community for their resilience and support in responding to the tragedy.
Investigation Reveals Maintenance Issues
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) revealed that cracks were found in parts connecting the engine to the wing. These cracks had not been detected during routine maintenance, and the last inspection of these critical components was in 2021. Investigators are continuing to assess how these failures contributed to the crash.
Conclusion
The retirement of the MD-11 fleet marks a significant step in UPS’s fleet modernization and safety strategy, while federal investigations continue into the causes of the Louisville tragedy. With new aircraft coming online and ongoing safety reviews, UPS aims to ensure both operational efficiency and passenger safety, restoring confidence after one of the most devastating cargo plane accidents in recent U.S. history.
Comments