UPS has announced that its fleet of McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft, which was grounded following a disastrous crash on November 4 in Louisville, Kentucky, is not anticipated to be back in service during the peak holiday season due to necessary inspections and potential repairs. This unfortunate event resulted in the tragic loss of 14 lives and injuries to at least 23 individuals when one of the aircraft's left engines detached during takeoff.
In an internal memo, Bill Moore, president of UPS Airlines, informed employees that it would likely take several months to return the MD-11s to operation as compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines involves more extensive inspections than initially estimated. Originally, UPS expected the process to take weeks; however, a significant reassessment has altered this timeline.
The grounding of these aircraft, which represent a vital component of the air cargo service, has drawn concern regarding the company’s capacity to meet shipment demands as the holiday season approaches. The 109 remaining MD-11 aircraft—averaging over three decades in service— compose approximately 9% of UPS's airline fleet and are integral for transporting packages for time-sensitive deliveries.
A spokesperson for UPS affirmed that the company is currently implementing contingency plans to ensure continued service for customers, emphasizing the importance of taking all necessary time to guarantee the safety of every aircraft.
Boeing, which has responsibility for maintaining MD-11 operations since its merger with McDonnell Douglas, has stated it is committed to assisting operators in fulfilling the FAA's inspection requirements. The FAA has specified that all inspection procedures and potential corrective measures will need its approval before being enacted.
