UPS Retires MD-11 Fleet After Deadly Kentucky Crash

Company to replace retired planes with 18 new Boeing 767s over next 15 months.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 8:07pm

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UPS has announced it is retiring its entire fleet of McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo planes, just months after one of the aircraft crashed during takeoff in Louisville, Kentucky, killing 15 people. The decision comes after the Federal Aviation Administration grounded all MD-11s following the deadly November 4th incident, in which the plane's left engine fell off, causing it to climb only 30 feet before crashing.

Why it matters

The MD-11 crash had a devastating impact on the Louisville community, striking and causing explosions at nearby businesses. UPS's decision to fully retire the MD-11 fleet highlights the company's focus on safety and its willingness to make significant operational changes in the wake of a tragic incident.

The details

UPS CEO Carol Tome said the company will incur a $137 million after-tax charge to write off the retired MD-11 aircraft, which made up about 9% of its fleet. To rebuild capacity, UPS will receive 18 new Boeing 767 planes over the next 15 months. During the peak holiday season, the company had to bring in aircraft from other parts of the world, increase ground transportation, and lease additional planes to cover the loss of the MD-11s.

  • The MD-11 crash occurred on November 4, 2025.
  • UPS announced the retirement of its MD-11 fleet on January 28, 2026.

The players

Carol Tome

CEO of UPS.

Federal Aviation Administration

The U.S. government agency that regulates civil aviation and grounded all MD-11 aircraft after the Kentucky crash.

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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 (wbal.com)

What’s next

The Federal Aviation Administration continues to review all the facts and circumstances in deciding whether MD-11 aircraft will be allowed to fly again.

The takeaway

UPS's decision to fully retire its MD-11 fleet demonstrates the company's commitment to safety and its willingness to make significant operational changes in the wake of a tragic incident that had a devastating impact on the Louisville community.