FedEx Retires Last MD-10

FedEx Express, the huge cargo specialist, has retired its last McDonnell Douglas MD-10 freighter aircraft.

The MD-10 is a modernised DC-10, and FedEx was one of the world’s last operators of the type.

The large tri-jet, with engines under each wing and one in the tail, operated a large fleet of DC-10s that had been converted into freighters following years of passenger service with airlines around the world.

They were later modified into MD-10s, which incorporated many of the features of the MD-11, including a two-man cockpit and digital displays.

Over recent years the fleet has been steadily reducing in size, as modern freighters like the Boeing 767 and 777 take over.

At the end of 2022, all eight remaining MD-10s were grounded, with some already having been flown into storage at Victorville, CA. The final revenue flight of the type took place on 31 December 2022.

FedEx still operates a mixed fleet of some older types, including Airbus A300-600F, Boeing 757-200F and McDonnell Douglas MD-11F freighters, alongside the growing number of modern types.

Following their retirement, only two other examples of the MD-10 remain in service worldwide – one with flying eye hospital Orbis, and the other with Transportes Aereos Bolvianos.