Western Global Resumes MD-11F Flights

Western Global Airlines is finally set to return the McDonnell Douglas MD-11F to service after taking an important next step in recovery efforts following a grounding.

Flagged by Cargo Facts, a reputable trade publication, the business will resume MD-11F operations following a successful test flight, in the footsteps of FedEx.

For this business, the MD-11F grounding following a fatal UPS accident hit hard. While every business felt the effects differently, for Western Global, the impact far exceeded those of its other counterparts in the U.S. that use the same type and for a good reason.

A UPS Crash Leads To A Grounding

The return of the aircraft type in the Western Global operation comes after a fatal UPS MD-11F crash in Louisville that occurred in November 2025. Following this deadly accident, the FAA issued an airworthiness directive covering the global fleet, and groundings were ordered to inspect the jets.

At the heart of the investigations and the focus of the grounding were the engine pylons and other related inspections after the left engine detached from the UPS MD-11F just moments after its nose wheel left the ground, ultimately leading to the crash.

During this grounding, safety was the number one priority, with investigators choosing to take a measured approach to granting the green light for the jet’s return to service. That ultimate decision to bring the jet back was also not something operators had to do; UPS chose to axe the fleet type after the deadly accident instead of returning it to service.

Why Western Global Hurt More

Western Global, aware of the fragile nature surrounding the MD-11F grounding and why it happened, was still in a position where the jet’s parking significantly impacted it relative to competitors using the same jet.

For UPS and FedEx, the two airlines that have long championed this freighter, the grounding was painful; however, for each operator, it was manageable through existing aircraft or short-term additions to the fleet to manage capacity and shipments.

With each having around 9-12% of their fleet occupied by the MD-11F, there was still a strong network of aircraft such as the 767F, 777F, A300F and 757F present that meant the grounded network was a pain, but able to be in this state while other aircraft saw their roles increase.

Where Western Global stood out was its exposure to the MD-11F; this wasn’t just slightly higher but rather dramatically higher. This business has its widebody freight fleet made up of nearly 80% MD-11F jets, compared with 10-20% for other operators.

As a result, when this model was grounded for Western Global, it effectively lost its entire operating fleet overnight, meaning that flying had to be slashed, critical changes were made across the network, and pilots were also furloughed to preserve cash.

For Western Global as well, the unknowns surrounding the return to service of this freighter aircraft meant the situation was worsening, with no definite answers; survival depended on how quickly these MD-11Fs could return to service, albeit safely.

Now, with FedEx also returning the MD-11F to active service in the second week of May, followed by Western Global more than 6 months after the fatal accident, progress is being made in restoring these networks.