How Many Operational MD-11 Are Left?
The McDonnell Douglas MD-11, known for its three engines and distinctive tail, has been a prominent wide-body aircraft for over three decades. Although it no longer serves passengers, it continues to be an essential cargo aircraft.
MD-11's Service History and Variants
Introduced in 1990 as an evolution of the DC-10, the MD-11 came in four variants:
- Passenger
- Freighter
- Combi (passengers and cargo)
- Convertible freighter
Initially, airlines such as Delta, Swiss, KLM, and Finnair adopted the MD-11 because it offered longer range, better fuel efficiency, and advanced avionics. These features made it a favorite for long-haul routes during the 1990s and 2000s.
Transition from Passenger to Cargo Service
With the rise of more economical and easier-to-maintain twin-engine aircraft like the Airbus A330 and Boeing 777, the MD-11 gradually disappeared from passenger fleets. KLM, the last major airline operating passenger-configured MD-11s, retired its final plane in October 2014 after farewell flights at Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport.
KLM’s retirement of the last MD-11 passenger flight in 2014 drew thousands of enthusiasts to Schiphol airport.
Today, no MD-11s remain in passenger service anywhere globally.
MD-11's Role in Cargo Aviation
Despite retiring from passenger service, the MD-11 remains vital in the cargo industry. Its robust design and capacity help it continue as a workhorse for freight operations worldwide.
As investigations into the UPS Airlines flight 2976 crash in Louisville on 4 November 2025 proceed, the MD-11 has returned to the aviation spotlight.
Its durability and versatility keep it relevant in cargo, even as newer freighter models emerge.
Author’s summary: The MD-11, though retired from passenger service, remains a key cargo aircraft, valued for its range and reliability in freight operations worldwide.