{"id":163129,"date":"2025-03-29T05:07:22","date_gmt":"2025-03-29T05:07:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/airline\/the-md-11-to-continue-flying-with-fedex-until-the-2030s\/"},"modified":"2025-03-29T05:07:22","modified_gmt":"2025-03-29T05:07:22","slug":"the-md-11-to-continue-flying-with-fedex-until-the-2030s","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=163129","title":{"rendered":"The MD-11 to Continue Flying with FedEx Until the 2030s"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Fans of classic tri-jet airliners have reason to celebrate\u2014FedEx Express has extended the retirement of its McDonnell Douglas MD-11F<\/strong> fleet, meaning these legendary aircraft will remain in service until the early 2030s. Originally set to be phased out by 2028, the MD-11Fs will now continue flying until the end of 2032<\/strong>, keeping one of the last major fleets of this iconic airliner in operation for several more years.<\/p>\n

A Stay of Execution for a Classic Airliner<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

The MD-11 first took to the skies in 1990 as a modernized successor to the DC-10, featuring improved aerodynamics, a glass cockpit, and extended range. Though it failed to win favor as a passenger aircraft, its capabilities made it a workhorse in the cargo world. Over time, most MD-11s have been retired as newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft took over, leaving FedEx as the largest remaining operator<\/strong> of the type.<\/p>\n

FedEx\u2019s decision to postpone the retirement<\/strong> of its MD-11s is linked to delays in acquiring newer aircraft, such as the Boeing 777F<\/strong> and future 777X freighters<\/strong>. The airline is modernizing its fleet with these more fuel-efficient jets, but with deliveries now stretching into 2026 and 2027<\/strong>, the trusty MD-11 will continue flying for longer than expected.<\/p>\n

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How Long Will the MD-11 Keep Flying?\"\"<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

FedEx currently operates 58 MD-11Fs<\/strong>, though many are stored or used selectively as demand fluctuates. The revised retirement schedule means the airline will begin phasing them out gradually:<\/p>\n

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What\u2019s Replacing the MD-11?\"\"<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

FedEx is investing heavily in its future fleet, exercising options to purchase eight additional Boeing 777 freighters<\/strong> and acquiring two used ones, bringing its total 777F orders to eleven. These aircraft, along with the Boeing 767-300F<\/strong>, are part of FedEx\u2019s long-term strategy to improve fuel efficiency and reduce operating costs. However, since deliveries will take time, the MD-11 remains a vital part of its cargo network.<\/p>\n

Where to Spot the MD-11F<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

For plane spotters, the extended lifespan of FedEx\u2019s MD-11F means more opportunities to see these powerful tri-jets in action. They are most commonly seen at FedEx\u2019s major hubs<\/strong>, including:
\u2708 Memphis International Airport (MEM)<\/strong> \u2013 FedEx\u2019s global superhub
\u2708 Indianapolis International Airport (IND)<\/strong> \u2013 A key domestic hub
\u2708 Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)<\/strong> \u2013 Frequent international cargo departures
\u2708 Anchorage Ted Stevens International Airport (ANC)<\/strong> \u2013 A crucial stop for transpacific cargo operations<\/p>\n

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A Tri-Jet Rarity in the Modern Era<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

With the Lockheed L-1011, DC-10, and passenger MD-11s<\/strong> long gone from commercial service, the MD-11F is one of the last remaining active tri-jets in the world<\/strong>. Aviation enthusiasts eager to witness its distinctive silhouette, roaring takeoff, and impressive three-engine climbouts should take advantage of these extra years before it disappears for good.<\/p>\n

A Last Hurrah for the MD-11<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
\"FedEx<\/p>\n

FedEx MD-11 Tokyo Narita<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

While its retirement is inevitable, the MD-11F\u2019s extended service with FedEx means we\u2019ll continue to see these historic aircraft in the skies for the rest of the decade. For aviation fans, the news is bittersweet\u2014another chapter in the story of tri-jet airliners is drawing to a close, but not just yet.<\/p>\n

So, if you haven\u2019t logged a sighting of a FedEx MD-11F yet, now is the time!<\/strong><\/p>\n

Title image: By Montague Smith [GFDL 1.2 (http:\/\/www.gnu.org\/licenses\/old-licenses\/fdl-1.2.html) or GFDL 1.2 (http:\/\/www.gnu.org\/licenses\/old-licenses\/fdl-1.2.html)], via Wikimedia Commons<\/em><\/p>\n

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