The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved safety protocols established by Boeing to facilitate the return to service of MD-11 and MD-11F aircraft. These jets were grounded in November 2025 after a crash involving UPS Airlines at Louisville International, which resulted in numerous fatalities both on the ground and onboard. Following an extensive review, the FAA authorized Boeing’s inspection and maintenance procedures, permitting the aircraft to resume operations.
FedEx Express, the largest operator of the MD-11F globally with fifty-eight aircraft, has begun phasing its fleet back into service, initially with two aircraft in May. The company is sending technicians worldwide to remove wing-mounted engine pylons from grounded aircraft for heavy maintenance at Indianapolis International and Memphis International airports. During the grounding period, UPS retired its fleet of 26 MD-11Fs, and Western Global Airlines, operating fourteen MD-11Fs, remains a significant operator of the type.
Impact on Other Carriers and Regulatory Actions
The grounding affected several other carriers, including 10 Tanker Air Carrier with four DC-10-30(T)s, Cargo Three with one MD-10-30(F), and others like Orbis, Transportes Aéreos Bolivianos, and Omega Air. Following the incident, the FAA also expanded its directive to include all McDonnell Douglas DC-10 aircraft. The safety measures and protocols aim to ensure the aircrafts’ airworthiness before they return to commercial service, restoring confidence among operators and regulators alike.
