FedEx announced that it will ground all 28 of its MD‑11 freighters following the fatal crash of a UPS MD‑11 in Kentucky on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. The grounding, effective immediately, covers roughly 4 % of the carrier’s 700‑aircraft fleet.
The decision follows a recommendation from Boeing, the manufacturer of the MD‑11, to suspend operations while additional engineering analysis is conducted. The UPS aircraft that crashed had been undergoing maintenance in Texas for over a month and experienced a “repeating bell” sound in the cockpit shortly before impact, after which an engine detached from the left wing. The MD‑11’s safety record—50 incidents and 11 hull‑loss accidents with 257 fatalities as of November 2025—has prompted heightened scrutiny.
FedEx said it will implement contingency plans to minimize disruptions to its Express and Freight segments. While the MD‑11s represent a small portion of overall capacity, the temporary loss of 28 aircraft could affect scheduling on certain routes and requires the carrier to reallocate cargo to other freighters in its fleet. The company emphasized that it will conduct a comprehensive inspection of all MD‑11s before resuming operations.
The grounding accelerates FedEx’s long‑term modernization strategy. The MD‑11, produced until 2000, is being phased out in favor of newer, fuel‑efficient models such as the Boeing 777F. By suspending the MD‑11s now, FedEx can focus resources on the transition and reduce maintenance intensity associated with the older aircraft.
FedEx’s statement indicates that the grounding is a precautionary measure while investigations continue. The carrier remains committed to safety and operational reliability, and it will resume MD‑11 operations only after the safety review is complete and the aircraft are cleared for flight.
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