Photo via FreightWaves
Following a seven-month grounding period initiated after a fatal UPS cargo plane crash, FedEx is methodically returning its fleet of MD-11 wide-body freighters to operational service. According to FreightWaves, the logistics carrier has begun a phased redeployment of the aircraft, signaling confidence in the safety measures implemented during the review period.
In conjunction with the fleet's gradual return to service, FedEx has also announced plans to retire ten MD-11 aircraft from its cargo operations. The decision reflects broader industry trends toward modernizing aging fleets with newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft while addressing long-term operational efficiency.
The redeployment marks a cautious but deliberate effort by FedEx to rebuild capacity in its cargo network following the safety incident that had temporarily sidelined a significant portion of its MD-11 inventory. The dual strategy of returning aircraft to service while retiring older units suggests the carrier is balancing near-term capacity needs with long-term fleet optimization.