"UPS and FedEx Ground MD-11s Halted After Deadly Kentucky Crash"

UPS and FedEx Ground MD-11 Fleet Grounded After Deadly Kentucky Crash In a precautionary move following a devastating plane crash in Kentucky that claimed 14 lives, UPS and FedEx have grounded their fleets of MD-11 aircraft, citing the recommendation of the aircraft manufacturer. The decision affects around 13 planes, with UPS having 9 and FedEx 4 in their fleets, as the companies prioritize employee and community safety. According to UPS, the decision to ground the MD-11 planes was made "out of an abundance of caution" following the crash at the UPS global aviation hub in Kentucky. The companies announced the move late Friday, stating that they made the decision proactively at the recommendation of the aircraft manufacturer. The MD-11 aircraft make up a significant portion of the UPS airline fleet, with FedEx also operating a smaller number of these planes. The crash at the UPS global aviation hub in Kentucky has raised concerns over air safety, particularly in the wake of the recent US government shutdown, which has raised alarms among air traffic controllers. The shutdown has led to a shortage of air traffic controllers, causing delays and disruptions in air travel. The grounding of the MD-11 planes is seen as a proactive measure to address these concerns and ensure the safety of employees and the community. UPS and FedEx have a combined fleet of 13 MD-11 planes, with the majority belonging to UPS. The MD-11 is a large cargo plane used for transporting goods across the globe. The plane is known for its reliability and efficiency, but like any aircraft, it is not immune to mechanical failures or human error. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the cause of the crash, which occurred on Thursday at the UPS global aviation hub in Kentucky. The NTSB has not released any information on the cause of the crash, but the agency is working to determine the factors that led to the tragic event. In a statement, a UPS spokesperson said, "We made this decision proactively at the recommendation of the aircraft manufacturer. We prioritize the safety of our employees and the community, and we will continue to work with the NTSB to determine the cause of the crash." FedEx also released a statement, saying, "We are cooperating fully with the NTSB investigation and have grounded our MD-11 fleet as a precautionary measure." The grounding of the MD-11 planes is a significant development in the wake of the crash, and it highlights the importance of prioritizing safety in the aviation industry. As the investigation into the crash continues, it is likely that more information will be released about the cause of the tragedy and the measures that will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. The current status of the investigation and the next steps for UPS and FedEx are unclear, but the companies have stated that they will continue to work with the NTSB to determine the cause of the crash and to ensure the safety of their employees and the community.