A fleet of McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft operated by UPS is anticipated to remain grounded through the crucial holiday season due to ongoing inspections and potential repairs stemming from a tragic crash earlier this month. In an internal memo circulated by UPS Airlines’ president Bill Moore, the company outlined that the return of these planes to service will take several months, a significant extension from the previous estimate of just weeks.
The crash, which occurred on November 4 in Louisville, Kentucky, resulted in 14 fatalities and left at least 23 individuals injured after the left engine of the aircraft detached during takeoff. In response, UPS and other cargo operators promptly grounded their fleets of MD-11s, awaiting directives from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Moore’s memo highlighted that Boeing’s ongoing evaluation indicates that the required inspections and potential repairs across the MD-11 fleet will be more extensive than initially anticipated. Currently, UPS has 109 MD-11 airliners, all of which are primarily utilized for cargo transportation. These aircraft, averaging over 30 years in age, constitute about 9% of UPS’s total airline fleet and 4% of the fleet operated by FedEx.
A spokesperson from UPS confirmed that the company has contingency plans in place to ensure continued service delivery throughout the busy season, prioritizing safety above all. “We will take the time needed to ensure that every aircraft is safe,” the spokesperson stated.
Boeing, the current manufacturer of the MD-11 following its merger with McDonnell Douglas in 1997, has committed to providing support and technical guidance to operators as they endeavor to comply with the FAA’s safety requirements. The FAA further clarified that Boeing is responsible for developing inspection procedures and corrective actions, which will require the agency’s approval before implementation.
As the situation evolves, the impact on logistics and package delivery during the peak holiday shopping season remains to be seen, highlighting the challenges faced by air cargo providers amidst heightened safety protocols.
