The fleet of UPS MD-11 cargo planes grounded after a fatal crash in November will remain out of service for “several months,” missing the entire peak holiday delivery season, the company announced Wednesday.
The extended grounding, initially expected to last only weeks, is due to more extensive inspections and potential repairs than first anticipated.
UPS Airlines President Bill Moore stated in an internal memo that the process is necessary to meet Federal Aviation Administration guidelines following the November 4th crash in Louisville, Kentucky, which killed 14 people after a left engine detached during takeoff.
While UPS asserts it will rely on contingency plans to manage holiday deliveries, the prolonged absence of a significant portion of its cargo fleet poses a major logistical challenge. The announcement signals potential for widespread shipping delays during the busiest time of the year for parcel carriers, as the company prioritizes safety over speed
By James Kisoo
