Sunday, November 9, 2025 -UPS and FedEx have temporarily grounded their McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo fleets after a deadly crash in Louisville, Kentucky, killed 14 people, including the three-person flight crew.
The UPS freighter went down shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, reportedly after its left engine failed and caught fire. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has since issued an emergency inspection directive for all MD-11 aircraft operating in U.S. airspace, citing potential structural risks.
The grounding affects a significant portion of the global cargo network at a critical time. UPS said about 9% of its total fleet consists of MD-11 aircraft, while FedEx confirmed that roughly 4% of its operations rely on the same model.
Both companies emphasized that safety is their “top priority,” but industry experts warn that the move will likely cause ripple effects in global shipping—especially as e-commerce volumes spike ahead of the holiday season. Delays and rerouted cargo could add new strains to an already pressured supply chain.
Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are now analyzing cockpit voice and flight data recorders to determine the cause of the crash. Boeing, which inherited the MD-11 line, is cooperating with federal authorities in the investigation.
The tragedy has reignited debate over aging cargo aircraft and the industry’s reliance on older fleets. For now, logistics companies are working around the clock to adjust routes, minimize disruptions, and reassure customers that deliveries will continue despite the setback.
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