UPS and FedEx ground some cargo planes after Kentucky air disaster

November 8, 2025

A UPS cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff in Kentucky on Tuesday, killing at least 14 people when it collided with nearby business structures and erupted into flames, closing Louisville International Airport. Following the incident, manufacturer Boeing instructed both UPS and FedEx to temporarily ground their fleets of MD-11 cargo aircraft as a precautionary measure while investigators work to determine the cause of the crash. The MD-11 model involved is a triple-engine aircraft that entered service over three decades ago and ceased production in 2000, with both delivery companies operating roughly 27-28 of these planes each, representing about 9% of UPS's fleet.

Who is affected

At least 14 people killed in the crash
Victims' families
UPS and FedEx delivery operations
Employees of UPS and FedEx
Communities served by these delivery firms
Businesses at the premises damaged by the crash and fire
Louisville International Airport operations

What action is being taken

UPS and FedEx are temporarily grounding their MD-11 cargo plane fleets
Buildings caught in the fire are still being searched for additional victims
Boeing is coordinating with the FAA on the matter
UPS is implementing contingency plans to continue service
Officials are investigating the cause of the crash

Why it matters

This crash represents a significant loss of life and raises serious safety concerns about the MD-11 aircraft model still in operation. The grounding of approximately 9% of UPS's fleet and a similar portion of FedEx's fleet could potentially disrupt delivery services for two of the world's largest cargo carriers, affecting global supply chains and commerce. The incident highlights ongoing risks associated with aging aircraft that have been converted from passenger to cargo use, and the investigation's findings could have broader implications for aviation safety standards and the continued operation of older aircraft models.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC