FedEx has resumed commercial cargo flights with part of its MD-11F fleet after the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration lifted a grounding order imposed following a fatal UPS crash in late 2025.
Flight tracking data indicates that some FedEx MD-11 freighters returned to service from May 10.
The restart came shortly after a local test flight from Memphis evaluated modifications developed by Boeing for the aircraft’s engine pylons, a step that helped secure FAA approval for the return to operations.
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The FAA said it authorized the aircraft’s return after an extensive review of Boeing’s inspection, repair and maintenance procedures for the tri-jet freighter.
FedEx confirmed it had completed the required inspections and maintenance actions on at least two MD-11Fs in coordination with Boeing and the FAA.
The aircraft type was grounded after the crash of a UPS MD-11F near Louisville on November 4, 2025.
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The freighter lost its left-side General Electric CF6 engine shortly after takeoff when part of the pylon attachment structure failed. The aircraft crashed into an industrial area beyond the runway, killing 15 people, including the three crew members.
Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board later identified fatigue cracks in structural components linked to the aft pylon mount assembly.
The failure caused the engine to separate from the wing and pass over the aircraft before the MD-11 lost control and crashed.
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The grounding led UPS to permanently retire its MD-11 fleet, while FedEx kept its 29 aircraft stored pending inspections and corrective actions.
FedEx previously estimated that the grounding could cost the company up to $175 million because of additional operational and leasing expenses.
The NTSB is scheduled to hold investigative hearings on May 19 and 20 as the probe into the accident continues.
