air-cargo

Western Global Returns MD-11 Freighter to Service Following Safety Inspections

Western Global has resumed operations with one of its MD-11 cargo aircraft after a six-month grounding period. Aircraft N781SN operated domestic routes between Fort Myers and Columbus before flying to Norfolk and then conducting its first intercontinental mission to Rota, Spain on May 21. The freighter subsequently operated to Sigonella in Italy and Djibouti. Western Global maintains a fleet of 15 MD-11Fs, with 14 currently parked. The carrier's return to operations follows similar moves by FedEx, which reactivated two of its 34 MD-11Fs beginning May 9. The aircraft were grounded after an Emergency Airworthiness Directive required comprehensive inspections of engine pylon bearing assemblies. Investigators identified fatigue failures in pylon bearing races as the probable cause of a fatal UPS MD-11F accident in November 2025. Unlike its competitors, UPS elected to retire its entire MD-11F fleet rather than return the aircraft to service.