The UPS cargo aircraft that crashed shortly after take-off from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday was part of a fleet of MD-11F long-haul freighters that the company had already planned to phase out over the next decade.
The McDonnell Douglas MD-11F, introduced in the 1990s to meet growing global cargo demand, was widely used by major freight carriers for long-range operations. The aircraft type was originally developed by McDonnell Douglas before the manufacturer merged with Boeing in 1997.
In 2023, both UPS and FedEx announced plans to gradually retire their respective MD-11 fleets as they modernise operations and shift towards newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft models. The phase-out strategy is part of a broader upgrade cycle across the global cargo sector.
The aircraft involved in Tuesday’s crash was operating as UPS Flight 5X2976 / UPS2976 when it went down shortly after departure. Emergency crews continue to respond at the site as investigations commence.
More details are expected as authorities release verified updates.
