Commercial Aviation
UPS and FedEx Ground MD-11 Fleets After Louisville Crash
UPS and FedEx ground MD-11 aircraft fleets following a deadly Louisville crash, awaiting NTSB investigation on engine failure during takeoff.
Titans of the Sky Grounded: UPS and FedEx Halt MD-11 Operations After Tragedy
In a significant move reverberating through the global logistics industry, United Parcel Service (UPS) and FedEx have grounded their entire fleets of McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft. This decision, described by both companies as a measure taken “out of an abundance of caution,” follows a catastrophic and deadly crash of a UPS MD-11 at its global air hub in Louisville, Kentucky. The grounding was initiated at the recommendation of Boeing, the successor to McDonnell Douglas, underscoring the serious nature of the concerns that have arisen since the incident.
The logistics world relies heavily on the seamless operation of its air cargo fleets, and the MD-11, a venerable workhorse of the skies, has been a key component of both UPS and FedEx’s long-haul operations for decades. While representing a relatively small percentage of their total fleets, about 9% for UPS and 4% for FedEx, the grounding of these powerful tri-jet aircraft creates immediate operational challenges. Both companies have activated contingency plans to mitigate service disruptions, but the sudden removal of a specialized, heavy-lift aircraft from service is a complex problem to solve. The incident and subsequent grounding place a sharp focus on aviation safety, aircraft manufacturing, and the intricate processes that keep global supply chains moving.
The investigation, now in the hands of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), is in its early stages, but the initial findings have already painted a grim picture of the flight’s final moments. As the industry holds its breath, questions surrounding the MD-11’s service history, the specifics of the crash, and the manufacturer’s recommendation to ground the fleet will be at the forefront of a complex and far-reaching inquiry. The decisions made in the coming weeks will not only affect the future of this specific aircraft model but will also have lasting implications for cargo aviation safety protocols worldwide.
The Crash of UPS Flight 2976
On the evening of Tuesday, November 4, 2025, UPS Flight 2976, an MD-11 freighter registered as N259UP, was preparing for a long-haul journey from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) to Honolulu (HNL). Shortly after 5:15 PM EST, during its takeoff roll from the UPS Worldport hub, a catastrophic failure occurred. The flight, crewed by three pilots, ended in tragedy, claiming the lives of all 14 people on board and in the vicinity of the crash. The aircraft barely lifted off the runway before crashing into nearby industrial buildings, resulting in a massive fireball and a devastating scene of destruction.
The NTSB’s on-site team of over 30 investigators, led by Board Member Todd Inman, has been meticulously piecing together the events of that evening. The recovery of the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR) has provided crucial initial insights. Data from the CVR revealed that a bell began to sound in the cockpit just 37 seconds after the crew initiated takeoff thrust. This warning continued for 25 seconds as the pilots fought to control the crippled aircraft. Preliminary evidence points to the disintegration and detachment of the aircraft’s left engine (engine No. 1) during the takeoff sequence. Eyewitness accounts and initial findings suggest the left wing was engulfed in flames as the plane struggled for altitude.
According to aviation experts, the timing of the engine failure was critical. Jeff Guzzetti, a former federal crash investigator, suggested the audible alarm was likely an engine fire warning. He noted that the event probably occurred after the aircraft had passed its “decision speed”, the point during takeoff at which it is no longer safe to abort and attempt to stop on the remaining runway. This left the crew with no choice but to attempt to fly the severely damaged aircraft, a task that tragically proved impossible. The investigation will now delve deeper into the aircraft’s maintenance history, including a recent period of service in San Antonio from September to October 2025, to determine the root cause of the engine failure.
“It occurred at a point in the takeoff where they were likely past their decision speed to abort the takeoff. They were likely past their critical decision speed to remain on the runway and stop safely.” – Jeff Guzzetti, former federal crash investigator.
The MD-11: A Storied but Complicated History
The McDonnell Douglas MD-11, the world’s largest tri-jet, occupies a unique place in aviation history. Developed as a successor to the venerable DC-10, it first flew in 1990 and was produced until 2000, with Boeing overseeing the final years of production after its merger with McDonnell Douglas in 1997. While initially designed for passenger service, its operational economics led most airlines to phase it out in favor of more efficient twin-engine jets. However, its impressive payload capacity and range made it an ideal candidate for a second life as a cargo aircraft, where it has served faithfully for carriers like UPS, FedEx, and Western Global Airlines.
Despite its capabilities, the MD-11 has a safety record that has drawn scrutiny over the years. As of November 2025, the aircraft has been involved in 50 incidents, including 11 hull-loss accidents that have resulted in 257 fatalities. Several of these incidents have involved landing difficulties and in-flight emergencies. Notable accidents include FedEx Express Flight 14 in 1997, which crashed on landing at Newark, and FedEx Express Flight 80 in 2009, which suffered a similar fate at Narita, Japan, killing both pilots. The deadliest incident involved Swissair Flight 111 in 1998, a passenger MD-11 that crashed off Nova Scotia due to an in-flight fire, killing all 229 people on board.
The decision by Boeing to recommend the grounding of the remaining active MD-11s is a significant development. While both UPS and FedEx have stated they are acting on this recommendation, Boeing itself has not yet publicly detailed the specific reasons behind its advisory. This lack of information has led to speculation within the industry, but it strongly suggests that the initial findings from the Louisville crash may point to a potential systemic issue that could affect other aircraft in the fleet. The NTSB’s full investigation will be critical in determining whether the cause was a one-off maintenance error, a design flaw, or another issue that warrants such a drastic and immediate response from the manufacturer and operators.
Awaiting Answers and Navigating Disruption
The grounding of the MD-11 fleets by UPS and FedEx marks a pivotal moment of reflection and action for the air cargo industry. The immediate priority is the ongoing NTSB investigation, which will take months, if not years, to complete. A preliminary report is expected within about 30 days, but a final determination of the probable cause will require extensive analysis of the wreckage, flight recorders, maintenance records, and metallurgical testing. The findings will be crucial in shaping the future of the MD-11 and could influence safety and maintenance protocols for other aging freighter aircraft across the industry.
In the interim, the operational impact on the two logistics giants is a pressing concern. While the MD-11s are a minority of their total fleets, they are vital for high-capacity, long-distance routes. Both companies are now scrambling to adjust schedules, reroute shipments, and potentially bring other aircraft into service to cover the gaps. This disruption comes at a critical time for global supply chains, and while both UPS and FedEx have robust contingency plans, the sudden loss of a key aircraft type will undoubtedly test their resilience. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the immense responsibility that rests on the shoulders of air cargo carriers and the critical importance of uncompromising safety standards.
FAQ
Question: Why did UPS and FedEx ground their MD-11 planes?
Answer: Both companies grounded their MD-11 fleets “out of an abundance of caution” following a deadly crash of a UPS MD-11 in Louisville, Kentucky. The decision was made at the recommendation of the aircraft’s manufacturer, Boeing.
Question: What is the NTSB investigating in the Louisville crash?
Answer: The NTSB is conducting a full investigation. Preliminary findings suggest the aircraft’s left engine disintegrated and detached during takeoff. Investigators are analyzing the cockpit voice and flight data recorders and the aircraft’s maintenance history to determine the cause.
Question: How many MD-11s do UPS and FedEx operate?
Answer: The MD-11 aircraft make up approximately 9% of the UPS airline fleet and about 4% of the FedEx fleet.
Sources
Photo Credit: Jim Allen – FreightWaves
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Luxair Orders Boeing 737-10 Jets at Farnborough 2026
Luxair converts 737-10 options to firm orders at Farnborough 2026, reaching 12 total 737 family aircraft on order.
Luxair has expanded its narrowbody fleet commitment by converting two options for the Boeing 737-10 into firm orders and securing two additional options during the 2026 Farnborough International Airshow.
The July 21, 2026, announcement by The Boeing Company brings the Luxembourg flag carrier’s total firm order book for the 737 family to 12 aircraft. The agreement supports Luxair’s long-term fleet modernization strategy, which focuses on increasing passenger capacity while reducing the airline’s environmental footprint.
Fleet expansion and aircraft specifications
Once all deliveries are completed, Luxair’s Boeing 737 fleet will consist of eight Boeing 737-8s and four Boeing 737-10s. The airline placed its initial order for two 737-10 aircraft in 2024 and is now moving to integrate the new-generation narrowbodies into a network that serves more than 100 destinations across Europe and beyond.
Luxair has selected a 213-seat configuration for its Boeing 737-10 aircraft. The cabin will feature the Boeing Sky Interior with redesigned seats offering a 76 cm pitch. The 737-10 is the largest model in the MAX family, capable of carrying up to 230 passengers in a maximum high-density configuration, with a range of 3,100 nautical miles (5,740 km).
“This agreement represents another important milestone in the execution of our long-term fleet strategy,” said Gilles Feith, Chief Executive Officer of Luxair. “As we continue to grow, delivering an outstanding passenger experience remains at the heart of every fleet decision we make. The Boeing 737-10 provides the additional capacity, operational efficiency and flexibility we need to support future demand while maintaining the high standards of quality, comfort and service our customers expect from Luxair.”
Environmental and operational targets
The integration of the Boeing 737-10 is central to Luxair’s sustainability initiatives. Powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines, the new aircraft deliver a 20 percent reduction in fuel use and emissions compared to the older generation aircraft they will replace. According to Boeing, each new-generation 737 saves an average of 8 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
The operational efficiency of the new fleet is designed to support Luxair’s growth trajectory following a strong performance in 2025, during which the airline transported 2.6 million passengers.
“Both the 737-8 and 737-10 are perfectly suited across Luxair’s network, increasing capacity on to its regional routes, comfortably serving more passengers on more routes with the lowest cost per seat of any single-aisle airplane,” said Ricardo Cavero, Vice President of Europe and Israel Commercial Sales and Marketing for The Boeing Company. “With the selection of the 737-8 and 737-10, Luxair is building a more profitable and sustainable operation.”
AirPro News analysis
Luxair’s decision to convert options into firm orders at the Farnborough International Airshow signals strong confidence in the Boeing 737-10 as the cornerstone of its high-density European routes. By standardizing its future narrowbody growth around the 737-8 and 737-10, we see Luxair prioritizing fleet commonality, which traditionally lowers maintenance and crew training costs. The retention of two new purchase rights also provides the carrier with a low-risk mechanism to secure future delivery slots in a constrained global supply chain environment.
Sources: The Boeing Company
Photo Credit: Boeing
Commercial Aviation
ACG and Skymark Airlines Finalize Seven Boeing 737-10 Leases
Aviation Capital Group and Skymark Airlines sign leases for seven Boeing 737-10s, with deliveries starting 2028 to grow Haneda capacity.
Aviation Capital Group LLC (ACG) and Japanese carrier Skymark Airlines (BC) have finalized lease agreements for seven Boeing 737-10 aircraft, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2028.
Announced on July 20, 2026, at the Farnborough International Airshow, the agreement supports Skymark’s strategy to increase passenger capacity on domestic routes operating out of the highly slot-constrained Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND). The Boeing 737-10 is the largest variant in the 737 MAX family, offering the airline a higher-density configuration compared to its existing fleet.
Fleet Modernization and Capacity Growth
Skymark currently operates a fleet of 30 aircraft, consisting of Boeing 737-800s and Boeing 737-8s. According to fleet data reported by ch-aviation, the airline plans to configure the newly leased Boeing 737-10s with 207 seats. This represents an increase of 30 seats per aircraft over its current 177-seat Boeing 737-800 and 737-8 configurations.
The capacity increase is critical for Skymark’s operations at HND, where adding new flights is restricted by slot availability. Aviation Week reports that Skymark is offering 6.03 million seats across its domestic network during the summer 2026 season, representing a 0.4 percent increase year-over-year. The introduction of the larger Boeing 737-10 will allow the carrier to grow its passenger volume without requiring additional departure slots.
“For airlines serving high-density markets from slot-constrained airports, the ability to add capacity, improve efficiency, and maximize revenue opportunities is critical,” ACG Chief Executive Officer and President Thomas Baker stated in the July 20 press release.
Expanding Boeing 737 MAX Commitments
The ACG lease agreement builds on Skymark’s existing commitments for the Boeing 737 MAX family. Aviation Week notes that the carrier already holds firm orders directly with The Boeing Company for seven Boeing 737-10s, alongside a mix of orders and lease agreements for seven Boeing 737-8s. Skymark became the first Japanese airline to introduce the Boeing 737-8 into commercial service in May 2026, debuting the aircraft on the route between HND and Fukuoka Airport (FUK).
Skymark Airlines President and Representative Director Yoshihiro Miwa highlighted the operational benefits of the new aircraft.
“We look forward to operating the 737-10, which boasts the largest capacity in the MAX series, and welcoming even more passengers to enjoy the Skymark experience.”
The Boeing 737-10 is also expected to deliver improved operating economics. A May 2026 Skymark fleet presentation cited by ch-aviation estimated a 19 percent reduction in fuel costs per seat for the Boeing 737-10 compared to the older-generation Boeing 737-800.
Aviation Capital Group’s Farnborough Momentum
The Skymark deal marks the second major Boeing 737-10 placement announced by ACG in July 2026. On July 14, 2026, the lessor announced long-term lease agreements with Canadian carrier WestJet (WS) for 13 Boeing 737-10 aircraft.
The consecutive agreements underscore strong lessor demand for the largest MAX variant as airlines seek to maximize yield in constrained airport environments.
AirPro News analysis
We view Skymark’s decision to lease additional Boeing 737-10s as a pragmatic approach to the strict slot limitations at Tokyo Haneda Airport. By upgauging from the Boeing 737-800 to the 737-10, Skymark can add 30 seats per departure. This strategy mirrors a broader industry trend where carriers operating in congested hubs rely on larger narrowbody variants to drive growth when frequency expansion is impossible. Securing these airframes through a lessor like ACG provides Skymark with delivery certainty starting in 2028, insulating the carrier’s near-term growth plans from potential direct-from-manufacturer delivery delays.
Sources: Aviation Capital Group
Photo Credit: Aviation Capital Group
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Riyadh Air Orders 31 A350-1000s and 67 Boeing 787s
Riyadh Air firms up A350-1000 and 787 Dreamliner orders at Farnborough 2026, targeting 100 global destinations by 2030.
Saudi Arabian startup carrier Riyadh Air (RX) has expanded its future widebody fleet by firming up an order for six additional Airbus A350-1000 aircraft at the Farnborough International Airshow on July 20, 2026. The agreement exercises purchase rights from a 2025 commitment for up to 50 airframes, bringing the airline’s total firm backlog for the European manufacturer’s largest twin-engine jet to 31 aircraft.
In a press release issued during the airshow, Airbus confirmed the transaction and noted that Riyadh Air will become the first operator of the A350-1000 in Saudi Arabia. The acquisition aligns with the carrier’s mandate to support the national Vision 2030 strategy, which targets serving more than 100 global destinations by the end of the decade.
Expanding the Airbus widebody footprint
The Airbus A350-1000 offers a maximum non-stop range of 9,700 nautical miles (18,000 kilometers), providing the operational capability required for Riyadh Air’s planned ultra-long-haul services. Airbus states the aircraft delivers a 25 percent advantage in fuel burn, operating costs, and carbon emissions compared to previous-generation widebody aircraft.
Riyadh Air Chief Financial Officer Adam Boukadida stated that the finalized order reflects continued confidence in the airline’s growth trajectory and the broader Saudi aviation sector.
“Increasing our A350-1000 commitment to 31 aircraft strengthens the foundation of our future network and supports our ambition to serve more than 100 global destinations by 2030 while delivering a premium guest experience,” Boukadida said.
Airbus Executive Vice President of Sales for Commercial-Aircraft Benoît de Saint-Exupéry added that the commitment highlights the aircraft’s efficiency and range. He noted the A350-1000 will play a central role in positioning Saudi Arabia as a leading international aviation hub. As of the end of June 2026, Airbus had recorded 1,595 firm Orders for the A350 family from 68 customers worldwide.
Concurrent Boeing 787 Dreamliner expansion
The Airbus finalization occurred alongside a separate widebody order placed with The Boeing Company. According to reporting by Al Arabiya, Riyadh Air also confirmed an order for 28 additional Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft at the Farnborough event on July 20.
This separate agreement introduces the Boeing 787-10 variant to the carrier’s fleet. Following the announcement, Riyadh Air’s total firm commitment for the Dreamliner family stands at 67 aircraft.
Riyadh Air Chief Executive Officer Tony Douglas told Al Arabiya that the introduction of the 787-10 and the expanded Dreamliner backlog marks another significant milestone in the airline’s journey toward its 2030 network goals. The carrier recently opened ticket sales for its initial overseas routes as it prepares for the launch of commercial operations.
AirPro News analysis
We view Riyadh Air’s dual widebody orders at Farnborough as a clear signal of the carrier’s aggressive timeline and robust capital backing. By splitting its high-capacity, long-haul requirements between the Airbus A350-1000 and the Boeing 787-10, the airline mitigates delivery risk in an era of constrained aerospace supply chains. Securing 31 firm A350-1000s and 67 Boeing 787s provides the necessary metal to rapidly scale a global network from scratch. However, the operational complexity of inducting two distinct widebody types simultaneously will require substantial training, tooling, and maintenance infrastructure investments prior to the Launch of commercial flights.
Sources: Airbus
Photo Credit: Airbus
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