Both UPS and FedEx are temporarily grounding their MD-11 fleets of cargo aircraft, following the tragic crash this week of a UPS MD-11 on takeoff from Louisville, KY.
MD-11s make up just 9% of the UPS fleet. FedEx has 28 of the MD-11s, out of 700 aircraft in their cargo fleet. Both companies say the decision was made “out of an abundance of caution and in the interest of safety.”
Decision was recommended by the aircraft manufacturer
Earlier this week, a UPS MD-11 was taking off from Louisville, a main hub for UPS, when one of its engines caught fire. The plane was hauling down the runway and rotated off the ground, losing the engine and crashing into a fireball.
All 3 crew were killed, as well as numerous people on the ground. So far, 14 are confirmed dead. Several others are still missing.
“We made this decision proactively at the recommendation of the aircraft manufacturer. Nothing is more important to us than the safety of our employees and the communities we serve,” says UPS.
FedEx echoed UPS. “Out of an abundance of caution, we have made the decision to immediately ground our MD-11 fleet as we conduct a thorough inspection and safety review.”
Both companies added they are immediately implementing contingency plans to minimize shipping disruptions.
The NTSB is leading the investigation.
