FedEx Express has stated that the grounding of its McDonnell Douglas MD-11F fleet following recent FAA safety directives is expected to have minimal impact on its daily operations. This action comes after the FAA grounded all MD-11 and MD-11F aircraft in response to a recent crash involving a UPS Airlines MD-11F near Louisville International Airport on November 4, 2025.
The logistics company owns thirty-four MD-11 aircraft, with six inactive and three kept as spares, leaving 25 planes scheduled for inspection. FedEx plans to gradually return the aircraft to service once they clear safety inspections, working closely with Boeing and federal regulators to ensure compliance and safety.
Chief Financial Officer John Dietrich emphasized that the fleet's inspection and clearance process is incremental, allowing the company to maintain operational continuity. FedEx has also announced its plan to retire the MD-11F fleet by 2032, with phased retirements beginning in fiscal year 2027.
During discussions with Boeing, FedEx's CEO Raj Subramaniam highlighted cooperative efforts to address the investigation and fleet safety concerns. Aside from FedEx, other operators such as UPS Airlines and Western Global Airlines operate MD-11F aircraft, totaling 26 and 14 units respectively.
The company's broader fleet includes Airbus A300-600F, A300-600R(F), Boeing B767 series, B777F, and MD-10-30(F) models. FedEx also engages in wet-leasing arrangements with carriers including ASL Airlines Belgium, ASL Airlines France, and Swiftair, to support its global logistics operations.
The ongoing inspections and regulatory cooperation aim to resolve safety issues swiftly, allowing FedEx to minimize disruptions and continue providing reliable freight services.
