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UPS Permanently Grounds MD-11 Fleet Following Fatal Louisville Crash
UPS has permanently retired its entire fleet of McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo aircraft, the company announced Tuesday during its fourth-quarter earnings call. The decision comes just three months after a catastrophic crash in Louisville that killed 15 people.
“We’ve decided to accelerate our plans and retire all MD-11 aircraft in our fleet,” CEO Carol Tome told investors during the call. The November 4 accident claimed the lives of the plane’s three crew members and 12 people on the ground near Muhammad Ali International Airport.
Federal investigators determined the aircraft’s left engine detached from the wing shortly after takeoff. The plane managed to climb only about 30 feet before crashing into a Kentucky Petroleum Recycling plant and a nearby auto salvage yard, Grade A Auto Parts, where many of the ground victims were either working or visiting.
The Federal Aviation Administration grounded all MD-11 aircraft immediately following the accident. In a statement Tuesday, the agency confirmed it continues to review “all the facts and circumstances” before deciding whether to allow the aircraft type to return to service.
The National Transportation Safety Board investigation revealed cracks in critical engine mount components that had gone undetected during regular maintenance inspections. The last inspection of those specific parts had been conducted in 2021.
The grounding has affected other cargo carriers as well. FedEx, which operates one of the largest MD-11 fleets, expects to return its aircraft to service by May 31, the end of its fiscal fourth quarter. Florida-based Western Global Airlines, another MD-11 operator, has not responded to inquiries about its plans.
For UPS, the MD-11s represented approximately 9% of its air fleet. The company reported an after-tax charge of $137 million to write off the aircraft, a significant but necessary financial hit as the carrier prioritizes safety following the tragedy.
“I am incredibly proud of our team at Worldport and how they responded to this accident,” Tome said. “And I would like to thank the Louisville community as well as our business and industry partners for their outpouring of support.”
The loss of these aircraft created operational challenges during the peak holiday shipping season, one of the busiest periods for the logistics giant. UPS implemented contingency plans that included bringing in aircraft from other regions, increasing ground transportation volume, and leasing additional planes to maintain service levels.
Looking ahead, the company plans to rebuild its air capacity by acquiring 18 new Boeing 767 freighters over the next 15 months. The 767 is widely considered a more fuel-efficient and reliable alternative to the aging MD-11 fleet, which first entered service in the early 1990s.
The Louisville crash has had profound impacts beyond the immediate tragedy and fleet decisions. It has prompted renewed scrutiny of maintenance procedures for aging aircraft in cargo operations and raised questions about inspection intervals for critical components.
The incident represents one of the deadliest cargo plane accidents in recent U.S. aviation history and has been particularly devastating for Louisville, where UPS maintains its massive Worldport air hub, the company’s largest package sorting facility and a significant employer in the region.
As the investigation continues, the aviation industry will be watching closely for any additional safety recommendations or regulatory changes that might emerge from this accident to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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17 Comments
Heartbreaking to see such a devastating accident. Retiring the MD-11 fleet is a prudent move by UPS to protect their crews and communities. Rigorous safety reviews are critical to prevent future tragedies.
This is a tragic incident. Retiring the entire MD-11 fleet is a prudent decision by UPS to prioritize safety. Investigations will be crucial to determine the root cause and prevent similar accidents in the future.
You’re right, safety should always come first. Hopefully the investigation provides clear answers so lessons can be learned.
This is a somber event. UPS is making the responsible choice by permanently retiring the MD-11 aircraft. Cargo carriers must maintain the highest safety standards to safeguard lives. Thorough investigations will be crucial.
Absolutely. Safety has to be the top priority, even if it means major operational changes. Kudos to UPS for taking this proactive step.
Retiring the MD-11 is a responsible move by UPS. While the cause is still under investigation, proactive steps to enhance safety are prudent. Cargo carriers must maintain the highest standards to protect crews and communities.
The loss of life is heartbreaking. While aircraft accidents are rare, it’s important UPS takes this step to mitigate any potential risks with this model. Rigorous safety standards are paramount for the cargo industry.
Absolutely. Grounding the entire MD-11 fleet shows UPS is committed to air safety, even if it means significant fleet changes. Kudos to them for prioritizing lives over profits.
This is a heartbreaking loss of life. UPS is making the responsible decision to retire the MD-11 fleet. Maintaining the highest safety standards should be the top priority for cargo carriers. Thorough investigations are crucial.
Completely agree. Safety has to come first, even if it causes major operational disruptions. UPS is doing the right thing here.
This is a devastating incident. Retiring the MD-11 fleet is the responsible choice by UPS to prioritize safety. Thorough investigations will be crucial to determine the root cause and implement measures to prevent future tragedies.
Absolutely. Safety has to be the top priority, even if it means major operational disruptions. Kudos to UPS for taking this proactive step.
Tragic incident. Permanently grounding the MD-11 fleet is the right call by UPS. Cargo operations must prioritize safety above all else. I hope the investigation provides clear answers to prevent similar accidents in the future.
Tragic loss of life. Retiring the entire MD-11 fleet is the right call by UPS, even if it’s a major operational disruption. Prioritizing safety over efficiency is commendable. I hope the investigation provides clarity on the root cause.
Agreed. Aviation safety has to come first, no matter the cost or operational challenges. Kudos to UPS for taking this decisive action.
Tragic accident. UPS is taking appropriate action by permanently retiring the entire MD-11 fleet. Cargo operations must uphold the strictest safety protocols to protect crews and communities. I hope the investigation provides clarity.
This is a sobering incident. My condolences to the families affected. Permanently retiring the MD-11 fleet is a difficult but necessary decision to safeguard the public. Thorough investigations will be crucial to improve aviation safety.