‍MEMPHIS — FedEx (FX) has cancelled all scheduled MD-11 operations for December as regulators continue a sweeping inspection mandate triggered by the fatal crash of UPS Flight 2976 earlier this month. 

This move indicates that the grounding of the trijet freighter is likely to extend well beyond initial expectations, affecting global cargo capacity during the peak holiday shipping season.

On-Going Investigation

The FAA ordered an immediate grounding of all MD-11s after investigators discovered fatigue cracks in a structural component attaching an engine to the left wing of the UPS aircraft that crashed in Louisville, Kentucky. 

With the National Transportation Safety Board confirming the cracks on November 20, regulators have taken a stringent stance so strict that the FAA has reportedly declined to issue ferry permits, leaving aircraft parked where they currently stand until inspections can be completed. FedEx entered November with 28 MD-11s. The cancellation of the entire December schedule suggests the carrier does not anticipate any aircraft returning to service this year. 

FedEx pilots have received an internal notification that their pay will not be affected in December, but the compensation arrangements for January have yet to be determined. Close to 500 FedEx pilots are MD-11 qualified, and their union has expressed concern over management’s plan to put crews on reserve duty in January when there is no defined operational requirement. 

A union representative for the FedEx Master Executive Council said that reserve status is inappropriate under the circumstances and urged direct negotiations to reach a fair solution.

UPS Faces A Similar Battle

UPS (5X) faces a similar outlook. The Independent Pilots Association says the carrier's MD-11 inspections will take "several months," extending well into 2026. UPS employs 277 MD-11 pilots, all of whom are pay-protected for cancelled flying. 

An internal letter from UPS Airlines President Bill Moore notes that Boeing's ongoing evaluation may require removal of engines and pylons for detailed inspection and repair, a far more complex process than earlier estimates suggested.

Western Global Airlines

Western Global Airlines (KD), the third-largest MD-11 operator, has already furloughed about 75 pilots ahead of an extended grounding period. FedEx has already begun contracting partner airlines to offset lost capacity, while UPS has taken similar steps.

With Boeing yet to provide any guidance on returning the long-serving MD-11 fleet safely to service, both carriers are facing increased costs as the wait for FAA approval continues.