Unlike UPS, FedEx reiterates plans to resume MD-11F cargo flights

FedEx has reiterated that it plans to return its McDonnell Douglas MD-11F freighters to service, despite UPS having permanently retired the aircraft type following last year’s suspension in the United States.

The statement was made shortly after UPS confirmed that it had withdrawn its remaining MD-11 freighters from service in December 2025. The suspension followed a fatal accident involving a UPS-operated MD-11, which prompted the Federal Aviation Administration to halt operations of the type while the causes were investigated.

FedEx said it continues to work with the FAA and with Boeing to address any inspection or maintenance actions required for a safe return to service. The company has stated that it is targeting regulatory clearance by May 31, subject to approval by the authorities.

At present, FedEx has 29 MD-11F aircraft parked and awaiting authorization to resume operations. Another US operator, Western Global Airlines, also has 15 MD-11 freighters grounded under the same suspension.

UPS took a different approach. The company had 22 MD-11 freighters in its fleet as of November 7, 2025, which were placed into storage following the grounding. Rather than returning the aircraft to service, UPS accelerated an existing phase-out plan and completed the retirement of the type in the fourth quarter of 2025, replacing the capacity with Boeing 767 freighters.

The MD-11 is a three-engine widebody aircraft that has long been used exclusively in cargo operations. The type has not carried passengers for many years and today remains in service only as a freighter.

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