Overview
- Both carriers said the stand-down follows Boeing’s recommendation and coordination with the FAA on a precautionary safety review.
- UPS and FedEx said MD-11s account for about 9% of UPS’s fleet and roughly 28 aircraft, or about 4%, at FedEx.
- The NTSB described the site as an active debris field and is analyzing flight recorders and maintenance history, with reports indicating an engine detached after takeoff.
- UPS and FedEx activated contingency plans to protect service, with FedEx highlighting safeguards for time-sensitive medical shipments.
- Authorities report at least 14 fatalities, including three crew members, and roughly 70 MD-11 freighters remain in service globally as some operators have yet to detail grounding plans.