Fact Check: Are MD-11 still in service?

Are MD-11 Still in Service?

The claim regarding the operational status of the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft raises questions about whether this model is still in service today. The MD-11, a trijet aircraft developed by McDonnell Douglas, has been in operation since its introduction in the early 1990s. Recent reports suggest that while many MD-11s have been retired, some remain active, particularly in cargo operations.

What We Know

1. Current Operators: According to a Wikipedia entry, many MD-11 aircraft have been converted from passenger to freighter configurations, with a significant number still in service as of 2025 3. The list of operators indicates that FedEx and UPS are the primary users of the MD-11 for cargo transport 4.

2. FedEx's Fleet Status: FedEx has been the largest operator of the MD-11, with reports indicating that they currently have 37 MD-11s in service 6. However, FedEx has also announced plans to retire its MD-11 fleet by 2032, having previously set a retirement date for 2028 910. This change was attributed to fleet renewal efforts and the need for additional cargo capacity 8.

3. Retirement Trends: The trend in the aviation industry has been moving away from older aircraft models like the MD-11, with many operators opting for more modern and fuel-efficient aircraft. Reports indicate that FedEx has already retired a number of MD-11s in recent years, with a total of 20 retired over the past three years 6.

4. Regulatory Oversight: The FAA continues to oversee the airworthiness of the MD-11, as evidenced by a recent airworthiness directive issued in December 2023, which pertains to the MD-11 1. This suggests that the aircraft is still being monitored for safety and operational standards.

Analysis

The information surrounding the operational status of the MD-11 is derived from various sources, each with its own level of reliability and potential biases:

• Wikipedia: While Wikipedia can provide a good overview, it is important to verify the details through primary sources, as the information can be edited by anyone and may not always be up-to-date or accurate 34.

• Industry Reports: Sources like Simple Flying and Dj's Aviation provide insights into the operational strategies of airlines, including FedEx's plans for its MD-11 fleet. However, these sources may have a bias towards sensationalizing news in the aviation industry, which could affect the objectivity of their reporting 579.

• Official Statements: The FAA's airworthiness directives are authoritative and provide a reliable indication that the MD-11 is still under regulatory oversight, which implies that it is still in service 1. However, the specifics of how many are operational and under what conditions are not detailed in these directives.

• Conflicting Information: The retirement timelines for the MD-11 vary between sources, with some stating a definitive retirement by 2032 9, while others suggest that the aircraft will remain in service longer depending on operational needs 8. This discrepancy highlights the need for caution when interpreting future projections.

Conclusion

Verdict: True

The evidence indicates that while many MD-11 aircraft have been retired, a number remain in active service, particularly in cargo operations with companies like FedEx and UPS. As of the latest reports, FedEx operates 37 MD-11s, although they have announced plans to retire this fleet by 2032. The ongoing regulatory oversight by the FAA further supports the claim that the MD-11 is still operational.

However, it is important to acknowledge the limitations of the available evidence. The operational status of the MD-11 can vary based on different sources, and future retirement plans may change based on operational needs and market conditions. Additionally, while some reports suggest a definitive timeline for retirement, others indicate that these aircraft may remain in service longer than anticipated.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate the information presented and consider the potential biases and reliability of the sources used in this analysis.

Sources

1. Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes. (2023). Retrieved from Federal Register
2. DC area Federal Government Operating Status: Open. Retrieved from OPM
3. McDonnell Douglas MD-11. Retrieved from Wikipedia
4. List of McDonnell Douglas MD-11 operators. Retrieved from Wikipedia
5. FedEx & UPS Push Forward With MD-11 Retirement Plans. Retrieved from Simple Flying
6. FedEx Orders Boeing 777 and ATR Cargo Aircraft, Delays MD-11. Retrieved from NDT A HQ
7. FedEx To Retire Its MD-11s By 2028. Retrieved from Simple Flying
8. FedEx Postpones MD-11 Retirement. Retrieved from Dj's Aviation
9. FedEx Delays MD-11 Retirement To 2032 & Orders 8 Boeing 777Fs. Retrieved from Simple Flying
10. FedEx orders Boeing 777 and ATR cargo aircraft, delays. Retrieved from Yahoo Finance