More FedEx MD-11 cargo jets return to service, others are retired

More FedEx MD-11 cargo jets return to service, others are retired reports that FedEx has brought back four McDonnell Douglas MD-11 freighters after regulators cleared the type to resume flying seven weeks earlier. The Memphis-based operator also retired five aircraft last quarter and expects the entire active fleet to be available by peak season, company executives said Tuesday. FedEx recorded a $23 million charge in fiscal Q4 ended May 31 to write down 10 retired aircraft, including five large MD-11 freighters. In addition, it retired four Boeing 757-200 freighters and one Airbus A300-600, while receiving seven 767-300 production freighters from Boeing, for a net decline of three aircraft from 2025. The FAA cleared MD-11 operations after Boeing developed a part to address a design flaw that could allow fatigue cracks to spread in the engine pylon. FedEx is removing engine pylons from grounded jets worldwide for bearing replacement at hubs in Indianapolis and Memphis.