# The MD-11 has long been a backbone of FedEx’s long-haul cargo operations.

*aerospace · news · 2026-04-26 · Simple Flying*

## Key points

- FedEx will resume MD-11 freighter operations in May after completing safety inspections and reviews.
- The initial MD-11 grounding followed a UPS crash caused by fatigue-induced cracks in engine pylon mounts.
- Regulatory focus was on MD-11 pylon fatigue, not a fundamental design flaw with the aircraft type.
- UPS retired its MD-11 fleet in January 2026, but FedEx is keeping and returning its aircraft to service.
- FedEx is using MD-11s to meet high demand while awaiting delivery of newer, more efficient planes.

**Companies:** FedEx
**Countries:** United States

[Read the full story on Simple Flying](https://simpleflying.com/fedex-chief-mcdonnell-douglas-md-11s-return-service-may/)

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