FedEx slow to rebook pilots’ hotel rooms amid MD-11 grounding

Core Insights - FedEx is experiencing operational challenges due to the grounding of its MD-11 freighter fleet during the peak shipping season, leading to difficulties in accommodating pilots and managing flight changes [1][2][3] Group 1: Operational Challenges - The grounding of 28 MD-11 cargo jets, mandated by the FAA after a crash incident, has significantly impacted FedEx's capacity to meet shipping demands [3] - The company has struggled with booking accommodations for its crew, resulting in pilots arriving at layover cities without confirmed lodging or transportation [2][5] - FedEx has activated contingency plans, including using spare aircraft, consolidating flights, and hiring contract carriers to mitigate the loss of capacity [4][5] Group 2: Crew Management and Labor Relations - The union representing FedEx pilots has raised concerns about the impact of lodging delays on crew rest and operational efficiency, attributing these issues to chronic understaffing at the Flight Services Desk due to cost-cutting measures [6] - The pilots' union argues that the current operational challenges highlight the need for more pilots to manage the increased workload and maintain efficiency [6]