Key Highlights
- UPS and FedEx ground their fleets of MD-11 cargo planes following a deadly crash in Kentucky.
- The MD-11 plane crashed near UPS Worldport in Louisville, killing 14 people including the pilots.
- Both airlines are conducting safety reviews based on manufacturer recommendations out of an abundance of caution.
- Western Global Airlines has also grounded a significant portion of its MD-11 fleet.
UPS and FedEx Ground Their Fleets Following Kentucky Crash
In the wake of a tragic crash near UPS Worldport in Louisville, Kentucky, both UPS and FedEx have taken decisive action to ground their fleets of MD-11 cargo planes. The decision comes after 14 people lost their lives, including the three pilots aboard the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft bound for Honolulu.
Crash Details
The MD-11 plane was carrying a significant amount of fuel, estimated at 38,000 gallons, when it crashed on Tuesday evening. The incident resulted in large fires burning near two buildings and extensive damage to the area. According to Todd Inman from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), a bell sounded for 25 seconds in the cockpit just before the crash, indicating that the pilots were attempting to regain control of the plane.
Proactive Safety Measures
UPS has stated it made the decision to ground its MD-11 aircraft fleet “proactively at the recommendation of the aircraft manufacturer.” The company emphasized that safety is their top priority, stating, “Nothing is more important to us than the safety of our employees and the communities we serve.” FedEx also grounded its 28 MD-11s in operation out of a total fleet of around 700 planes. In a statement, the company mentioned conducting a thorough inspection and safety review based on manufacturer recommendations.
Western Global Airlines, another operator of MD-11 cargo planes, has already put most of its 12 out of 16 remaining aircraft into storage. The grounding of these planes is part of an industry-wide response to the incident in Kentucky, aimed at ensuring safety and minimizing disruptions to operations.
Industry Implications
The decision by UPS and FedEx to ground their MD-11 fleets highlights the significant impact a single accident can have on air cargo operations. The MD-11 aircraft, which were first introduced in 1991, have been used extensively in the industry due to their long-range capabilities and capacity for heavy payloads.
Industry experts suggest that this move could lead to increased scrutiny of older aircraft models within the industry. There are currently no other US cargo airlines flying MD-11s besides Western Global Airlines, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium.
This reduction in fleet size could impact supply chain logistics and highlight the need for modernization in air cargo operations.
In conclusion, the grounding of MD-11 planes by major carriers like UPS and FedEx underscores the commitment to safety in an industry that relies heavily on large aircraft for long-distance shipments. The ongoing investigations into the causes of the crash will be crucial in determining future safety protocols and fleet modernization efforts within the cargo airline sector.
