UPS and FedEx Suspend MD‑11 Cargo Operations Following Fatal Louisville Crash

In the wake of a tragic accident that claimed the lives of all three crew members aboard a cargo aircraft in Louisville, Kentucky, both UPS Airlines and FedEx Ground announced that they are grounding their entire fleets of MD‑11 freighters with immediate effect. The decision follows a direct recommendation from Boeing, the MD‑11’s manufacturer, which urged operators to halt flights pending a thorough safety review.The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon when the MD‑11, operating under a third‑party carrier contracted by a logistics firm, crashed shortly after take‑off from Louisville International Airport. Emergency responders recovered the wreckage within hours, confirming that the aircraft suffered a catastrophic failure that caused it to plunge into a nearby industrial area. No injuries were reported on the ground, but the loss of the flight crew has sent shockwaves through the aviation community.In a joint press release, UPS and FedEx emphasized that passenger safety and crew welfare remain their top priorities. “We are fully cooperating with the National Transportation Safety Board and Boeing to understand the cause of this accident,” the statement read. “Until we have a clear picture, we have decided to suspend all MD‑11 operations across our networks to ensure the highest level of safety for our employees and customers.”Boeing’s safety advisory, issued late Monday, cited recent findings from internal monitoring systems that indicated potential structural and aerodynamic concerns specific to the aging MD‑11 airframe. The company recommended that all operators conduct comprehensive inspections and, where necessary, suspend service until corrective actions are verified.Industry analysts note that the MD‑11, once a workhorse for transcontinental freight, has been gradually phased out by many carriers in favor of newer, more efficient models such as the Boeing 777F and the Airbus A330‑200F. However, UPS and FedEx continue to rely on the MD‑11 for certain high‑volume routes, especially those requiring larger cargo volumes and longer range capabilities.The grounding is expected to cause short‑term disruptions to the supply chain, particularly for time‑critical shipments that depend on the MD‑11’s capacity. Both logistics giants have pledged to reallocate cargo to other aircraft in their fleets and to work closely with shippers to mitigate any delays.The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has opened a full investigation into the Louisville crash. Preliminary reports suggest that a combination of mechanical failure and possible pilot input may have contributed to the loss of control. Investigators will examine flight data recorders, maintenance logs, and weather conditions at the time of the accident.As the aviation community awaits the final findings, UPS and FedEx have urged the public to remain patient while they reassess their cargo operations. “Our commitment to safety is unwavering,” the companies said. “We will resume MD‑11 service only when we are absolutely confident that the aircraft meet the rigorous standards required for safe operation.”