UPS Grounding Entire MD-11 Fleet After Deadly Louisville Crash Could Extend Through Peak Holiday Delivery Season
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY — UPS Airlines has grounded its entire fleet of McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo planes after a deadly crash in Louisville earlier this month, and the company now says the inspections and potential repairs could stretch through the peak holiday delivery season. The update was shared in an internal memo to employees as the carrier works to meet stringent FAA guidelines.
Fatal Louisville Crash Triggered Industry-Wide Grounding
The MD-11 grounding follows the Nov. 4 crash in Louisville, where a UPS MD-11 experienced a catastrophic engine failure during takeoff. Officials reported that the left engine detached, causing a fiery crash that killed 14 people and injured at least 23 others.
Cargo carriers across the country halted MD-11 operations shortly afterward, even before the FAA issued additional guidance.
UPS Airlines president Bill Moore told employees that Boeing’s evaluation shows the required inspections and possible structural repairs will be “more extensive than initially expected,” extending the grounding for months rather than weeks.
Holiday Season Impact: UPS Activates Contingency Plans
With the busiest shipping season of the year underway, UPS says customer service will not be disrupted. The company plans to rely on backup aircraft, route adjustments, and expanded logistics operations to maintain delivery schedules.
A UPS spokesperson said the airline will “take the time needed to ensure that every aircraft is safe” while still meeting delivery demand.
The grounding affects 109 MD-11 aircraft, aging more than 30 years on average. While they represent only 9% of UPS’s total fleet, they play a key role in long-range cargo operations.
Boeing and FAA Working on Inspection Requirements
Boeing, which now oversees support for the MD-11 model, is developing detailed inspection procedures and repair instructions. The FAA must review and approve all corrective actions before aircraft can return to service.
Regulators emphasized that safety remains the top priority, and the clearance process will move forward only after all airworthiness concerns are resolved.
The MD-11 is used exclusively in cargo operations and is no longer manufactured. FedEx also operates a significant number of the aircraft, representing about 4% of its fleet.
Uncertain Timeline as Safety Review Expands
UPS originally anticipated a relatively short grounding timeline, but updated assessments indicate that structural checks and repairs could last several months, potentially extending into early 2026.
The company has not provided a specific return-to-service date but says employees will receive continued updates as Boeing and the FAA finalize mandatory inspection procedures.
As UPS and federal regulators work to ensure the safe return of the MD-11 fleet, questions about cargo aircraft safety and aging airframes remain at the forefront. For ongoing coverage of Kentucky transportation developments and national aviation updates, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.