Fleet of UPS planes grounded after deadly crash expected to miss peak delivery season

"A fleet of planes that UPS grounded after a deadly crash isn't expected to be back in service during the peak holiday season due to inspections and possible repairs, the company said Wednesday in an internal memo. The airline expects it will be several months before its McDonnell Douglas MD-11 fleet returns to service as it works to meet Federal Aviation Administration guidelines, said the memo from UPS Airlines president Bill Moore to employees. The process was originally estimated to take weeks but is now expected to take several months."

"A UPS spokesperson said in a statement that the company will rely on contingency plans to deliver for customers throughout the peak season, and it "will take the time needed to ensure that every aircraft is safe." The 109 remaining MD-11 airliners, averaging more than 30 years old, are exclusively used to haul cargo for package delivery companies. MD-11s make up about 9% of the UPS airline fleet and 4% of the FedEx fleet."

"Boeing, which took over as the manufacturer of MD-11s since merging with McDonnell Douglas in 1997, said in a statement that it is "working diligently to provide instructions and technical support to operators" so that they can meet the FAA's requirements. The FAA said Boeing will develop the procedures for inspections and any corrective actions, pending approval from the FAA."

UPS grounded its McDonnell Douglas MD-11 fleet after a Nov. 4 Louisville crash in which the left engine detached during takeoff, killing 14 and injuring at least 23. Inspections and potential repairs are more extensive than initially expected, extending the grounding for several months and preventing MD-11s from returning during the peak holiday season. UPS will rely on contingency plans to maintain customer deliveries and will prioritize safety. The 109 remaining MD-11 airliners average more than 30 years and are used exclusively for cargo. Boeing will provide inspection procedures and technical support, subject to FAA approval.

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