An update to a story we covered a few weeks ago. While FedEx announced they will bring the MD-11 fleet back into service in mid 2026. UPS has decided to part ways with the iconic tri-jet.

A UPS MD-11F Takes off from Ontario International Airport in November, 2023.

The Inevitable

After the devastating crash of an MD-11 operating as UPS flight 2976 in Louisville back in November 2025 which killed 15 people. UPS made the decision to ground their fleet of MD-11s as a safety precaution. However, given the MD-11 fleet was pretty old compared to other cargo aircraft operating for UPS. There have been rumors and speculation among aviation photographers, enthusiasts, journalists and pilots that the fleet would be retired prematurely. Given the MD-11 fleet was already being phased out at the time of the crash of flight 2976. On January 27th, roughly three months after the crash, those beliefs were confirmed. The UPS fourth-quarter earnings and 2026 guidance report stated that the company had "accelerated its fleet modernization and completed the retirement of its MD-11 fleet." While the early retirement came due to unexpected reasons given the devastating crash, the UPS fleet had already begun some major changes with newer and more fuel efficient aircraft replacing the MD-11s. In particular the Boeing 767F, and even the iconic Boeing 747 (while burning a larger fuel consumption, it carries a lot more and has further range than an MD-11).

What comes next?

Considering the news of the MD-11 retirement by UPS, the only other MD-11 operator at this time is their rival company FedEx. The company announced their plans to bring back the MD-11 by the middle of 2026. However, with UPS retiring their MD-11, it is unknown if FedEx may follow suit given operational costs. Especially given the lack of any other MD-11 operators with UPS getting rid of their own fleet. At the same time, it was reported a few weeks ago that Boeing (the company who bought McDonnell Douglas (the MD-11's original manufacturer) was aware of a flaw in one of the components on the MD-11s wing assembly in the years before the crash. However, Boeing concluded it was not enough to render the aircraft for safe flights.

Regardless of the future of the MD-11s at FedEx, it is certainly an end of an era at UPS. The MD-11 was an iconic and beloved aircraft among aviation enthusiasts and pilots alike at UPS and it is unfortunate that the service arguably ended because of a tragic crash that killed 15 people.

For more details about FedEx returning their MD-11 fleet, and the UPS crash in more detail click the story below:

Breaking: FedEx Scheduled to Bring back MD-11F Flights mid-2026

The UPS retirement came off of the heels of a subsequent grounding after the crash of Flight 2976. Here, two UPS MD-11s sit grounded at Ontario International Airport in November 2025.