UPS Retires Fleet of MD-11 Aircraft After Deadly Kentucky Crash

The move comes just months after one of the planes crashed in Louisville, killing 15 people.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 5:15pm

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UPS has announced that it is retiring its entire fleet of McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo planes, just months after one of the aircraft crashed in Louisville, Kentucky, killing 15 people. The company said it would be receiving 18 new Boeing 767s over the next 15 months to replace the retired MD-11s.

Why it matters

The MD-11 crash in Louisville had a devastating impact on the local community, striking nearby businesses and causing multiple fatalities. UPS' decision to retire the entire MD-11 fleet reflects the company' s commitment to safety and its response to the tragedy.

The details

The November 4th crash occurred during takeoff, when the plane' s left engine fell off the wing. The plane was only able to climb about 30 feet before crashing, killing the 3-person crew and 12 others on the ground. The Federal Aviation Administration grounded all MD-11s after the crash, and UPS has now decided to permanently retire the aircraft from its fleet.

  • The MD-11 crash occurred on November 4, 2025.
  • UPS announced the retirement of its MD-11 fleet during its Q4 2025 earnings call on January 27, 2026.

The players

UPS

A major American shipping and logistics company that operates a fleet of cargo aircraft.

Carol Tome

The CEO of UPS who announced the retirement of the MD-11 fleet.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The U.S. government agency responsible for regulating civil aviation and grounding the MD-11 aircraft after the crash.

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)

The independent U.S. government investigative agency that examined the cause of the MD-11 crash, finding cracks in engine mount parts.

Kentucky Petroleum Recycling

A nearby plant that was struck and caused smaller explosions by the crashing MD-11 aircraft.

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What they’re saying

“I am incredibly proud of our team at Worldport and how they responded to this accident. And I would like to thank the Louisville community as well as our business and industry partners for their outpouring of support.”

— Carol Tome, CEO, UPS (Breitbart)

What’s next

The FAA continues to review all the facts and circumstances surrounding the MD-11 crash in deciding whether the aircraft will be allowed to fly again.

The takeaway

UPS' decision to retire its entire MD-11 fleet demonstrates the company' s prioritization of safety in the wake of the devastating Louisville crash. This move will likely have ripple effects across the air cargo industry as UPS transitions to a newer, more modern fleet of Boeing 767 aircraft.