Bottom Line Up Front
UPS announced that every one of its aging MD‑11 freighters will be retired sooner than planned, ending the era of the three‑engine workhorse.
UPS Retires All MD-11 Planes Early – What It Means for Freight
Image: UPS Retires All MD-11 Planes Early – What It Means for Freight – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Design & Looks
The MD‑11 looks like a stretched 747 with a sleek, pointed nose and a distinctive hump on the upper deck. Its three‑engine layout (two under the wings, one at the tail) gave it a powerful silhouette that was hard to miss at any airport. While the design was praised for its cargo capacity, the plane also earned a reputation for being difficult to handle on take‑off and landing.
- Three‑engine configuration for extra thrust
- Large rear cargo door for easy loading
- High‑wing design that keeps the fuselage clear for freight
Performance & Mileage
Even after more than three decades in the sky, the MD‑11 could still fly long routes—up to about 6,500 nautical miles with a full payload. However, its fuel burn is higher than newer twin‑engine freighters, which made it expensive to operate. That cost gap grew as fuel prices rose, prompting UPS to reconsider the fleet’s viability.
- Typical range: ~6,500 nm (12,000 km)
- Cruise speed: Mach 0.81 (about 540 mph)
- Fuel consumption: roughly 10,000 lb/hr, higher than modern twins
Price & Rivals
When first delivered in the early 1990s, an MD‑11 cost around $150 million. Today, resale value has plummeted to under $5 million, making the aircraft cheap to acquire but costly to keep flying. Competing models like the Boeing 767‑300F and the newer Boeing 777F offer better fuel efficiency and lower operating costs, so most airlines have already shifted to those twins.
- Original list price: ~US$150 M
- Current market value: < US$5 M
- Main rivals: Boeing 767‑300F, Boeing 777F, Airbus A330‑200F
MD‑11 Quick Specs
| Engine | Pratt & Whitney PW4000 or GE CF6 |
|---|---|
| Mileage | ≈6,500 nm (12,000 km) |
| Price | Original $150 M, today < $5 M |
| Top Features |
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FAQ
- What is the range of the UPS MD‑11? About 6,500 nautical miles with a full cargo load.
- Why is UPS retiring the MD‑11 early? High fuel burn and maintenance costs make newer twin‑engine freighters more economical.
- Can the MD‑11 still be used for cargo? Yes, but most operators prefer modern aircraft that cost less to run.
What do you think about UPS’s decision? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts.
Source: Read Official News
