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FedEx MD-11 Test Flights Begin

May 10, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

FedEx has begun MD-11 test flights.
Partial fleet return expected by end of May 2026.
FedEx working with Boeing and FAA for return to service.
Design fix provided by Boeing for all 29 MD-11s.

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Strategic Implications

FedEx's move to return the MD-11 to service may indicate confidence in the aircraft's safety following the design fix. The decision could also suggest a strategic effort to maintain fleet diversity and operational capacity, which may impact the competitive landscape in cargo aviation.

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What Happened

Cargo Carrier Prepares For Operational Return After Fatal Crash

FedEx has initiated a series of test flights for its MD-11 fleet as it prepares for the aircraft’s operational return. The move follows a fatal UPS MD-11 crash in Louisville in 2025. With the assistance of Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), FedEx aims to have a partial fleet return by the end of May 2026. The test flights, which have included routes from Memphis to Miami and Los Angeles, mark a significant step towards reinstating the MD-11 into service. According to AeroTime, FedEx has been working closely with Boeing to implement a design fix that will enable the safe operation of its 29 MD-11 aircraft.

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