UPS Retires Iconic MD-11 Fleet
The United Parcel Service (UPS) has officially retired its fleet of McDonnell Douglas MD-11 freighters, marking the end of an era for these iconic aircraft. This decision was influenced by various factors, including a tragic accident in November 2025, which accelerated the withdrawal process.
Details Behind the Retirement of the MD-11 Fleet
UPS announced its decision as part of its fourth-quarter results for 2025. The shipping giant reported impressive consolidated revenues of $24.5 billion and an operating profit of $2.6 billion. However, the retirement of the MD-11 fleet came with significant financial repercussions.
Financial Impact of Retiring the Fleet
- Total after-tax charges amounted to $238 million.
- This included a non-cash, after-tax charge of $137 million for the write-off of the MD-11 aircraft.
- Additionally, transformation charges reached $101 million.
Accident That Prompted Early Retirement
The decision to retire the MD-11 fleet was hastened by a crash in November 2025. Shortly after takeoff from UPS’s hub in Louisville, one of the freighters suffered engine failure, leading to its tragic crash. The incident resulted in the loss of all three crew members and 12 ground fatalities, injuring 22 others.
This disaster raised serious concerns about the safety of operating older aircraft. As a result, UPS and its competitor FedEx Express grounded their MD-11 fleets following the incident.
Current Status of the MD-11 Fleet
Before the retirement, UPS operated 26 MD-11F aircraft, with an average age of 31.1 years. The airline was among the last three operators of the MD-11 freighter, alongside FedEx Express, which had a fleet of 58, and Western Global Airlines, with 14 aircraft.
As of now, all MD-11s operated by UPS, FedEx, and Western Global are inactive. It remains uncertain if the latter two carriers will follow UPS’s lead and fully retire their fleets as well.
