Fleet of UPS planes grounded after deadly crash expected to miss peak delivery season

3 1 minute read

UPS Grounds Fleet of Planes After Deadly Crash

By SARAH RAZA

UPS has announced that a fleet of planes grounded following a fatal crash will not be back in service for the peak holiday season due to necessary inspections and potential repairs. The decision was communicated in an internal memo from UPS Airlines president Bill Moore to employees.

The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 fleet, which was involved in the tragic crash in Louisville, Kentucky on November 4, is not expected to return to service for several months as UPS works to comply with Federal Aviation Administration guidelines. Originally anticipated to take weeks, the process has now been extended to several months.

According to Moore, Boeing’s assessment revealed that the inspections and repairs required for the MD-11 fleet will be more extensive than initially thought.

While UPS reassured customers that contingency plans are in place to ensure deliveries during the busy holiday season, the company emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety over speed. The MD-11 aircraft, which average over 30 years old, are crucial for cargo transportation for package delivery companies.

Boeing, which now oversees the production of MD-11s following its merger with McDonnell Douglas, is actively assisting operators in meeting the FAA’s guidelines. The FAA confirmed that Boeing will develop the necessary procedures for inspections and corrective actions, subject to approval.

It is evident that UPS and other cargo carriers are taking the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their fleet and operations, even if it means a delay in returning the planes to service.