Zhong Guo Jing Ying Bao·2025-11-09 12:45Core Viewpoint - UPS and FedEx have announced the temporary grounding of all MD-11 cargo aircraft due to safety concerns following a recent accident involving a UPS MD-11, which resulted in 14 fatalities [2][4]. Group 1: Company Actions - UPS has grounded its MD-11 fleet, which constitutes approximately 9% of its total aircraft, based on a recommendation from Boeing [2]. - FedEx has also grounded its MD-11 cargo planes, which make up 4% of its fleet, and is conducting a comprehensive safety review [2]. - Both companies have implemented emergency plans to maintain service continuity for their global customers [2]. Group 2: Regulatory Response - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an emergency airworthiness directive on November 8, mandating the grounding of all MD-11 aircraft due to potential safety issues [2]. Group 3: Industry Context - Currently, three U.S. airlines operate MD-11 cargo aircraft: UPS, FedEx, and Western Global Airlines [3]. - The MD-11 aircraft, originally manufactured by McDonnell Douglas, has been out of passenger service since 2014, and its operational future is uncertain following the recent grounding [3]. Group 4: Accident Details - The recent accident involved a UPS MD-11 cargo flight that crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville International Airport, leading to 14 deaths, including 11 on the ground [4]. - The aircraft involved was a 1991 model, converted from passenger to cargo service in 2006, and had been maintained prior to the incident [4]. Group 5: Company Profiles - UPS operates a total of 295 aircraft, including 27 MD-11s, and has a global logistics network covering over 200 countries with approximately 490,000 employees [5]. - FedEx operates a slightly larger fleet of 28 MD-11s, contributing to its position as one of the largest cargo airlines globally [2].