Air cargo impact from post-crash MD-11 grounding seen as ‘minimal,’ analysts say

Air Cargo News Brief

Summary

The grounding of MD-11 cargo planes following a fatal UPS crash is expected to have a minimal impact on air cargo operations. While it may contribute to rising freight rates during the peak holiday season, major carriers like UPS and FedEx have implemented contingency plans to maintain service.

Key Points

  • FAA Grounding: The FAA ordered the grounding of MD-11 aircraft after a UPS cargo plane crash in Kentucky killed 13 people.
  • Limited Fleet Impact: The grounded MD-11s constitute approximately 9% of UPS’s and 5% of FedEx’s fleets.
  • Minimal Disruption Expected: Analysts from Stifel and Bank of America predict the operational and financial impact will be minimal.
  • Rising Freight Rates: Air freight rates have recently increased, partly boosted by the reduced capacity from the groundings.
  • UPS Contingency Plans: UPS has secured additional aircraft, consolidated routes, and reconfigured its ground network to maintain capacity and service.
  • Crash Investigation: The NTSB’s preliminary report found evidence of fatigue cracks and overstress failure on the crashed jet.

航空货运新闻简报

总结

在一架UPS飞机发生致命坠机事故后,MD-11货机被停飞,预计对航空货运业务影响甚微。虽然这可能加剧旺季运费的上涨,但UPS和FedEx等主要承运商已实施应急计划以维持服务。

关键点

  • 美国联邦航空管理局停飞令: 在一架UPS货机在肯塔基州坠毁,导致13人丧生后,美国联邦航空管理局下令停飞MD-11机队。
  • 对机队影响有限: 停飞的MD-11飞机约占UPS机队的9%和FedEx机队的5%。
  • 预计影响甚微: Stifel和美国银行的分析师预测,此次停飞带来的运营和财务影响将是微乎其微的。
  • 空运运费上涨: 空运运费近期有所上涨,部分原因是停飞导致运力减少。
  • UPS应急计划: UPS已额外调配飞机、整合航线并重新配置地面网络,以维持运力和服务。
  • 坠机调查: 美国国家运输安全委员会的初步报告在坠毁的飞机上发现了疲劳裂纹和过应力失效的证据。

Original Article Link: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/11/21/holiday-shipping-air-cargo-ups-crash.html

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