Old Planes Still Soaring: The Case of UPS's MD-11

Airplanes have a longer life than many people think. The UPS cargo plane that crashed in Louisville was a 34-year-old MD-11. While this might seem ancient for a passenger plane, it's not uncommon in the world of air freight. The crash has sparked discussions about the lifespan of aircraft. Age isn't always the main issue with planes. Older models are often retired because they're not fuel-efficient. Cargo jets, like the MD-11, fly about 30% less than passenger planes. This means fuel economy isn't as big a concern. The MD-11 is a unique case. It has three engines, which was popular when it was designed. This was seen as safer for long flights over the ocean. But as twin-engine jets became more reliable, the MD-11's design became outdated. It was last used for passenger flights over a decade ago. Despite this, cargo companies still use the MD-11. UPS has 25 of these planes in service. FedEx is phasing them out but still has 38 in use. Western Global Airlines also operates four MD-11s. Maintenance is key for keeping older planes safe. A major overhaul, called a "D-check, " can make an old plane feel new. UPS's MD-11s undergo these checks to ensure safety. The main concerns for operators are maintenance costs and fuel burn.