FedEx is set to bring back MD-11 cargo aircraft to into its active fleet in May following a six-month grounding that impacted operations and financial performance. As operations resume, FedEx aims to restore efficiency across its network, with an internal town hall scheduled for May 6 to address updates related to the MD-11 fleet. The carrier, which operates the world’s largest MD-11F fleet, was forced to suspend 34 aircraft after regulators grounded the model in November. To maintain network capacity, FedEx relied on third-party leased aircraft, an interim measure that contributed to estimated US$145 million loss in operating income between November and February, with an additional US$ 55 million expected impact by the end of May. The grounding followed a fatal UPS cargo aircraft crash near Louisville, USA where investigators identified fatigue cracks in a critical engine support structure.
