Commercial Aviation
FAA Clears MD-11 Freighters to Resume Flights After Grounding
FAA approves Boeing’s fix for MD-11 freighters, ending six-month grounding after UPS crash. FedEx resumes flights; UPS retires fleet.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has officially cleared the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 freighter fleet to return to the skies. According to reporting by FreightWaves, the agency approved Boeing’s maintenance and inspection protocols on May 11, 2026, effectively ending a six-month global grounding of the aircraft type.
The worldwide grounding was initiated in November 2025 following the tragic crash of UPS Flight 2976 in Louisville, Kentucky, which claimed 15 lives. With the new hardware fixes validated by regulators, operators are taking divergent paths. FedEx Express has immediately resumed commercial flights, while UPS has opted to retire its MD-11 fleet entirely.
We at AirPro News recognize the profound impact this grounding had on the global air cargo network, particularly during the 2025 peak holiday shipping season. While the return of the MD-11 brings operational relief to remaining operators, the aging aircraft continues to face intense political and regulatory scrutiny.
The Engineering Fix and Return to Service
Addressing the Structural Failure
The grounding stemmed from severe structural failures identified during the preliminary investigation of the UPS crash. According to FreightWaves, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) found fatigue cracks in the left pylon’s aft mount lug and spherical bearing assembly. These cracks developed over numerous flights, culminating in an overstress failure that caused the engine to tear free from the wing.
To resolve the issue, Boeing, which acquired McDonnell Douglas in 1997, developed a highly invasive hardware fix. The approved protocol requires the installation of new spherical bearings in the aft mounts of each side engine pylon, alongside comprehensive inspections of the aft bulkhead.
“After extensive review, the FAA approved Boeing’s protocol for safely returning MD-11 airplanes to service,” the agency stated.
FedEx Express Resumes Operations
FedEx Express, currently the largest remaining operator of the MD-11, moved swiftly to implement the required fixes. FreightWaves reports that FedEx maintenance teams removed pylons from parked aircraft and shipped them to hubs in Memphis and Indianapolis for the necessary bearing replacements.
Following these modifications, FedEx conducted a successful test flight on May 9, 2026, flying from Memphis to Huntsville, Alabama, and back. By Sunday, May 10, the carrier operated its first commercial MD-11 flights in six months, servicing routes from Memphis to Los Angeles and Miami. FedEx plans to gradually phase its 28 remaining MD-11s back into service on a tail-by-tail basis, with intentions to operate the jets until 2032 to meet ongoing cargo demand.
Diverging Airline Strategies and Industry Impact
UPS and Western Global Responses
The extended grounding forced major logistical pivots across the air cargo sector, prompting airlines to activate spare aircraft and shift packages to ground networks. However, the long-term response to the MD-11’s viability has been sharply divided among the three remaining U.S. operators.
Unlike FedEx, UPS accelerated its fleet modernization plans in the wake of the crash. According to FreightWaves, UPS announced in January 2026 that it was permanently retiring its entire fleet of 28 MD-11s. Meanwhile, Western Global Airlines, a smaller Florida-based cargo carrier, was forced to indefinitely furlough its 147 MD-11 pilots in November 2025 due to the grounding. The airline has not yet publicly disclosed its future plans for the aircraft.
AirPro News analysis
We note that the divergence in fleet strategies between FedEx and UPS highlights a broader industry transition. UPS’s decision to permanently retire the MD-11 underscores a rapid shift toward newer, more fuel-efficient twin-engine freighters, minimizing the risk associated with maintaining aging tri-jet airframes. Conversely, FedEx’s commitment to flying the MD-11 until 2032 emphasizes the aircraft’s unique payload and volumetric capabilities, which remain difficult to replace in the short term without massive capital expenditure. The grounding’s timing during the 2025 peak season exposed the fragility of relying on older aircraft types, likely accelerating long-term fleet renewal discussions across the global cargo sector.
The UPS Flight 2976 Tragedy and Ongoing Scrutiny
Remembering the Louisville Crash
The catalyst for the grounding remains one of the deadliest cargo-aircraft accidents in U.S. history. On November 4, 2025, UPS Flight 2976 crashed seconds after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. Flight data and surveillance video showed the left engine and pylon separating during the takeoff rotation, with the aircraft reaching an altitude of only 30 to 100 feet before impacting an industrial area.
The disaster resulted in 15 fatalities, including all three crew members and 12 individuals on the ground, one of whom succumbed to severe injuries on December 25, 2025. An additional 23 people on the ground were injured.
Political Pushback and Upcoming Hearings
Despite the FAA’s clearance, the MD-11 remains under a microscope. FreightWaves reports that on May 1, 2026, U.S. Representative Morgan McGarvey (D-KY) sent a letter to the FAA demanding the permanent grounding of the aircraft, citing a documented history of mechanical issues.
Furthermore, the NTSB has scheduled a two-day public investigative hearing regarding the crash for May 19–20, 2026, in Washington, D.C. Investigators are expected to review how UPS applied previous inspection instructions relayed by Boeing in 2011 regarding similar structural components. Litigation is also ongoing, with lawsuits filed against UPS, Boeing, and the late pilot’s estate over the fatal accident.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the MD-11 freighter fleet grounded?
The FAA grounded the global MD-11 fleet in November 2025 following the fatal crash of UPS Flight 2976 in Louisville, Kentucky. The NTSB determined the crash was caused by an overstress failure resulting from fatigue cracks in the left engine pylon’s aft mount lug and spherical bearing assembly.
What is the approved fix for the MD-11?
Boeing developed a hardware fix that requires highly invasive inspections and the installation of new spherical bearings in the aft mounts of each side engine pylon, as well as inspections of the aft bulkhead.
Are all airlines resuming MD-11 flights?
No. While FedEx Express has implemented the fixes and resumed commercial flights with plans to operate the aircraft until 2032, UPS opted to permanently retire its entire fleet of 28 MD-11s in January 2026.
Sources: FreightWaves
Photo Credit: FedEx
Commercial Aviation
Airbus Cancels AirAsia X Order for 15 A330-900 Aircraft
Airbus confirms mutual cancellation of 15 A330-900s with AirAsia X as the group shifts to A220-300 and A321XLR narrowbodies.
This article summarizes reporting by The Star.
Airbus SE has officially removed 15 A330-900 aircraft from its backlog following a mutual agreement with Malaysia-based AirAsia X Berhad to cancel the outstanding order. The cancellation, confirmed by the manufacturer on June 17, 2026, marks a definitive end to the long-haul low-cost carrier’s previous widebody expansion strategy.
According to reporting by The Star, an Airbus spokesperson confirmed the mutual cancellation in a statement to the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama). The adjustment was formally reflected in the European manufacturer’s May 2026 orders and deliveries data. AirAsia X declined to provide an official comment regarding the cancellation.
Strategic shift toward narrowbody operations
The cancellation of the A330-900 order aligns with a broader fleet restructuring across the AirAsia Group. The company is pivoting away from widebody aircraft in favor of long-range narrowbodies and smaller regional jets to serve its future network requirements.
In May 2026, AirAsia placed a firm order for 150 Airbus A220-300 aircraft. The group also recently committed to 50 Airbus A321-200NY(XLR) aircraft, according to ch-aviation. These acquisitions indicate a preference for lower-capacity, longer-range airframes to optimize route economics.
Network adjustments and delayed hub launch
Alongside the fleet changes, AirAsia X is modifying its near-term network expansion plans. The carrier recently postponed the launch of its planned hub at Bahrain International Airport (BAH).
The airline had intended to utilize the Bahrain hub for fifth-freedom flights connecting Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) to London Gatwick Airport (LGW) starting in June 2026. Due to concerns regarding the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, ch-aviation reports that the launch has been delayed until August or September 2026.
AirPro News analysis
We view the formal cancellation of the A330-900 order as the final step in AirAsia X’s post-pandemic restructuring. By abandoning the high-capacity widebody model in favor of the A321XLR and A220-300, the airline group is prioritizing flexibility and lower trip costs over sheer passenger volume. The A321XLR will allow AirAsia X to maintain its long-haul low-cost model on thinner routes that could not profitably sustain an A330-900. Concurrently, the delayed Bahrain hub launch demonstrates a cautious approach to international expansion amid geopolitical volatility.
Sources: The Star, Airbus Orders and Deliveries, ch-aviation, Airbus Press Release
Photo Credit: Airbus
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Airbus and Lufthansa Mark 50 Years at ILA Berlin 2026
Airbus and Lufthansa signed an A220 component services deal at ILA Berlin, marking 50 years of partnership and a 700th delivery milestone.
Airbus SE and Deutsche Lufthansa AG formalized a new component services agreement for the airline’s Airbus A220 fleet during the ILA Berlin Air Show on June 10, 2026, marking the 50th anniversary of their commercial partnership.
The agreement, detailed in a Lufthansa Group press release, coincides with the European manufacturers preparing to deliver its 700th aircraft to the German airline group later this year. The half-century relationship began in 1976 with the delivery of Lufthansa’s first Airbus A300, establishing a foundation that has seen the carrier take delivery of more Airbus Commercial-Aircraft than any other operator globally.
Fleet expansion and the 700th delivery milestone
The upcoming Delivery of the 700th Airbus aircraft, scheduled for late 2026, highlights a sustained period of fleet renewal for the Lufthansa Group. In May 2026, the operator expanded its long-haul commitments by placing a firm Orders for 10 additional Airbus A350-900 aircraft.
This recent acquisition brings Lufthansa’s total A350 order book to 75 airframes, which includes the upcoming A350-1000 variant. The Airlines currently operates 43 A350-900s across its global network.
“Today, we are working together towards the delivery of the 700th aircraft for the Lufthansa Group which is scheduled for later this year. This major milestone is just one example of how Airbus and Lufthansa jointly worked on making aviation one of the key industries for Germany,” said Lars Wagner, CEO of Commercial Aircraft at Airbus.
Strategic agreements and ILA Berlin presence
Beyond the ceremonial milestones at the ILA Berlin Air Show, the two aviation companies signed new strategic cooperation agreements. Central to these is a comprehensive component services contract covering Lufthansa’s entire Airbus A220 fleet, ensuring long-term maintenance and parts support for the narrowbody aircraft. The partners also reaffirmed joint commitments to sustainable aviation initiatives, building on previous collaborations such as the deployment of the drag-reducing SharkSkin aircraft coating.
Lufthansa Group CEO Carsten Spohr emphasized the historical depth of the collaboration, noting the airline’s role as a launch customer for numerous Airbus models developed in Toulouse and Hamburg.
“We intend to build on this foundation together to further advance aircraft technology and expand Europe’s leading role in the aviation sector,” Spohr stated.
The anniversary was visually commemorated at the air show with a Lufthansa Airbus A320neo, registered D-AING, featuring a special 100th-anniversary livery. The aircraft displays an oversized crane logo on a blue fuselage, celebrating the centennial of the original Lufthansa airline’s founding.
AirPro News analysis
We view the 50-year milestone as more than a ceremonial marker; it underscores the deeply intertwined industrial strategies of Airbus and the Lufthansa Group. By securing a comprehensive component services agreement for the A220 fleet, Airbus continues to expand its footprint in the lucrative aftermarket sector, ensuring revenue streams that extend decades beyond the initial airframe delivery. Lufthansa’s consistent role as a launch customer and its steady stream of widebody orders, including the recent top-up of A350-900s, provides Airbus with critical production stability in the twin-aisle market. The relationship remains a foundational pillar for European aerospace manufacturing.
Sources: Lufthansa Group
Photo Credit: Lufthansa Group
Commercial Aviation
Riyadh Air Launches First Domestic Flights to Jeddah
Riyadh Air began Riyadh-Jeddah domestic service on June 14, 2026, using Boeing 787-9 aircraft on one of the world’s busiest routes.
Riyadh Air officially commenced its first domestic operations on June 14, 2026, launching service between King Khalid International Airport (RUH) and King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) with its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner fleet.
The inaugural flight, designated RX0011, departed the Saudi capital at 9:00 AM local time and arrived in Jeddah at 10:50 AM. In a press release issued to mark the occasion, the carrier framed the new route as a critical component of Saudi Arabia’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy and the broader Vision 2030 initiative, catering to business, tourism, and religious travel.
Schedule ramp-up and market demand
The airline is initiating the RUH-JED corridor with two daily flights. According to schedule data reported by Arabian Business, Riyadh Air will increase this frequency to three daily flights on June 18, 2026, and expand to four daily flights by July 2, 2026.
The capacity addition enters one of the most heavily trafficked domestic aviation markets in the world. In 2025, the Riyadh-Jeddah route recorded 9.8 million seats, ranking it as the fifth busiest domestic corridor globally.
Riyadh Air Chief Executive Officer Tony Douglas highlighted the strategic importance of the corridor for the new national carrier.
“The launch of our new service to Jeddah marks another historic moment in our journey to increase connectivity to Riyadh. This route has been carefully selected to serve a key market for business and cultural travel, aligning with our ambition to become a global airline and a significant contributor to Vision 2030.”
Network integration and hub strategy
The domestic launch follows closely behind Riyadh Air’s inaugural international commercial flight to London Heathrow Airport (LHR). Industry publication LARA reported that the new domestic service is designed to position Riyadh as a primary transport hub, facilitating connections for passengers traveling from Jeddah to planned global destinations including Dubai, Cairo, Madrid, and Manchester.
The expansion requires close coordination with airport operators. Eng. Mazen bin Mohammed Johar, Chief Executive Officer of Jeddah Airports Company (JEDCO), stated that the inaugural flights reflect an advanced level of collaboration across the Saudi aviation sector. He noted the service strengthens air connectivity between the two cities while expanding travel options for passengers.
AirPro News analysis
We view Riyadh Air’s deployment of widebody Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft on a domestic route as a clear indicator of the sheer volume of demand between Riyadh and Jeddah. While operating twin-aisle aircraft on short-haul domestic sectors is relatively uncommon globally, the 9.8 million seats recorded on this route in 2025 justify the high-capacity gauge. This strategy allows the carrier to maximize slot utility at both RUH and JED while rapidly building the domestic feed necessary to sustain its expanding international long-haul network.
Sources: Riyadh Air
Photo Credit: Riyadh Air
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