Cargo carrier Western Global Airlines (WGA) has reportedly furloughed pilots due to the extended grounding of its McDonnell Douglas MD-11 fleet. The news follows the UPS Airlines MD-11 accident on November 4, 2025, which resulted in the FAA grounding the aircraft type.
The carrier informed its pilots via email that it hoped the MD-11 grounding would be short-lived, as the aircraft type represents the largest portion of its overall fleet. However, 
All 14 Western Global MD-11s Taken Out Of Service
Western Global Airlines’ fleet is composed primarily of MD-11 freighters. The carrier operates a total of 14 MD-11s with an average age of 30.3 years, according to ch-aviation data. Also, the carrier is awaiting one additional MD-11 freighter delivery. The other part of the carrier’s fleet consists of four Boeing 747-400 freighters.
As a result, Western Global is almost entirely dependent on its MD-11 fleet, unlike cargo operators such as UPS or FedEx Express, where the MD-11 represents only a small fraction of their overall fleets. Due to the extended grounding and the additional inspections and repairs required by Boeing, Western Global Airlines decided to furlough its pilots, stating that the situation left the company “no choice.” In the memo, WGA stated:
“In the entire twelve-year history of WGA, we never had any furloughs or pay cuts. However, the current situation is untenable, threatens the Company’s survival, and leaves WGA no choice. As a result, this letter is to notify you that, due to circumstances over which the Company has no control, you are being furloughed effective November 22, 2025.”
The FAA Grounding Of MD-11s
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grounded the MD-11 fleet on November 8, 2025, just four days after the UPS MD-11 crash. Western Global Airlines, which notes that it has maintained a perfect safety record, is among the carriers most significantly affected by the grounding.
Meanwhile, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released frame-by-frame imagery of the UPS Flight 2976 accident. The visuals capture the moment an engine separated from the aircraft, sending the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 crashing into an industrial park only seconds after takeoff. The November 4 crash resulted in the deaths of all three crew members on board, along with 11 bystanders on the ground.
It has been highlighted that fatigue cracks were identified in the hardware that attaches the engine to the wing, and there were repeated symptoms of overstressing. More information will likely become clear as the agency completes its full investigation into the deadly accident.
FedEx Expects MD-11 Fleet To Return Soon Due To Quick Inspections
A vote of confidence in the McDonnell Douglas MD-11F.
Looking To History To Understand The Incident
While Western Global Airlines is among the carriers most affected by the FAA’s MD-11 grounding, UPS Airlines and Fedex Express are also experiencing significant impacts. UPS operates 26 MD-11 freighters, and FedEx has 58 of the cargo aircraft in its fleet.
It is worth noting that the MD-11 that was involved in the UPS crash had more than 34 years of service under its belt and was in the process of being phased out by the airline. According to CNN, the NTSB is reviewing similar past incidents to help determine the cause of the crash, including the American Airlines Flight 191.
That accident, which involved a McDonnell Douglas DC-10, resulted in the deaths of all 271 people on board and two individuals on the ground. In that case, the left engine pylon assembly detached from the aircraft, striking the runway, causing the plane to roll to the left and erupt in flames.