The FAA has grounded all McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft for safety inspections after a recent crash involving a UPS plane in Louisville, Kentucky, which tragically killed 14 people. Both UPS and FedEx have followed suit, pausing flights of these aircraft until further notice.
This grounding affects a small portion of their fleets. UPS operates 26 MD-11s out of over 500 planes, while FedEx has 28 out of about 700. Despite their small numbers, aviation experts warn that this could delay holiday deliveries. If the grounding lasts for more than a week or two, issues could arise just as shipping demands spike during the holiday season.
Boeing, which merged with McDonnell Douglas in 1997, has advised all operators to halt MD-11 flights while further assessments are conducted. This measure aims to ensure safety during operations.
Historically, the MD-11 has been in service since 1990, and the last ones were produced in 2000. UPS has plans to phase out these aircraft in favor of newer models, such as the Boeing 767, signaling a shift in their operational strategy.
Deliveries are expected to climb by 5% this holiday season, as projections estimate around 2.3 billion packages will be shipped compared to last year, according to ShipMatrix. Despite the grounding, both UPS and FedEx are working on contingency plans to manage deliveries. This could include rerouting some cargo to passenger planes or utilizing ground transport options.
Jeremy Tancredi, a supply chain expert, mentioned that even with backup plans, the loss of these MD-11s reduces capacity during a crucial shipping period. Each MD-11 can handle about 20,000 packages. Changes in delivery schedules may occur, but it’s still unclear how specifically the airlines will adjust their holiday deadlines.
For anyone sending packages this holiday, Tancredi advises to “shop early.” Utilizing rail networks and increased truck capacity can help ensure timely deliveries, even amid ongoing disruptions.
In summary, while the grounding of the MD-11s poses challenges, both UPS and FedEx are committed to managing the situation effectively. The ultimate impact on holiday deliveries will depend on the duration of the grounding and how swiftly they can adapt their logistics.
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