Remembering the American Airlines MD-11 Fleet

In the early 1990s, American Airlines introduced the McDonnell Douglas MD-11, hoping it would be a worthy successor to its aging fleet of DC-10s. The MD-11, with its promised range, efficiency, and modernized features, seemed like the ideal upgrade to strengthen American’s long-haul fleet.

But the MD-11 only lasted ten years with American Airlines and was ultimately seen as a disappointment. But what happened to this fleet?

The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 at American Airlines

JetPix (GFDL 1.2 <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/fdl-1.2.html> or GFDL 1.2 <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/fdl-1.2.html>), via Wikimedia Commons

Unlike the DC-10, the MD-11 offered extended range capabilities and more advanced avionics, aimed at providing greater fuel efficiency and a more comfortable passenger experience. With three engines and advanced flight systems, the MD-11 was intended to bridge the gap between smaller, twin-engine aircraft and the larger Boeing 747.

American Airlines acquired a total of 19 MD-11s, taking delivery of the first in 1991. The airline deployed these aircraft on transcontinental and international routes, including popular destinations across Europe and Asia. The MD-11 initially provided American with flexibility on routes that required the extra range, including flights to Tokyo and London, while also offering a better in-flight experience with updated cabin amenities.

However, the MD-11 quickly developed a reputation for falling short of its operational promises. Although it featured many technological improvements, it struggled with fuel efficiency and range compared to projections. A major issue was its inability to meet long-haul range expectations with a full passenger load, which affected route planning and operating costs. These challenges were not unique to American; airlines worldwide were finding that the MD-11 didn’t live up to the performance standards set by the original specifications.

Retirement of the MD-11 at American Airlines

After less than a decade in American’s fleet, the MD-11s were proving inefficient and costly, especially as Boeing introduced the new 777, which featured two engines, greater range, and fuel efficiency. In 1998, American began phasing out its MD-11s in favour of the 777, which better suited the airline’s needs for transcontinental and transoceanic routes.

By 2001, American Airlines had fully retired its MD-11 fleet, with many of the aircraft finding new life with cargo operators like FedEx. The MD-11’s short tenure with American was reflective of a broader industry trend, as airlines moved away from three-engine designs toward more efficient, long-range twinjets.

The final American Airlines MD-11 flight operated on 13 October 2001 from Santiago de Chile to Dallas Ft Worth.

American Airlines’ MD-11 Fleet and Survivors

N1757A became N590FE with FedEx. Photo (c) Eric Salard

N1754, 1992-1996 – became N587FE with FedEx; WFU Victorville 2023

N1755, 1992-2000 – became N588FE with FedEx; WFU Victorville 2024

N1756, 1992-2001 – became N589FE with FedEx; active

N1757A, 1995-1998 – ecame N590FE with FedEx; active

N1759, 1992-1998 – became N585FE with FedEx; WFU Victorville 2024

N1750B, 1991-1997 – became N581FE with FedEx; crashed 1999

N1751A, 1991-1996 – became N582FE with FedEx; WFU Victorville 2024

N1752K, 1991-1997 – became N583FE with FedEx; active

N1753, 1991-1996 – became N586FE with FedEx; WFU Victorville 2023

N1758B, 1995-2000 – became N591FE with FedEx; active

N1768D, 1992-1997 – became N584FE with FedEx; WFU Victorville 2023

N1760A, 1993-2000 – became N592FE with FedEx; active

N1761R, 1993-2001 – became N593FE with FedEx; WFU Victorville 2023

N1762B, 1993-2001 – became N594FE with FedEx; WFU Victorville 2024

N1763, 1993-2001 – became N595FE with FedEx; WFU Victorville 2024

N1764B, 1993-2000 – became N596FE with FedEx; active

N1765B, 1993-2001 – became N597FE with FedEx; active

N1766A, 1993-2001 – became N598FE with FedEx; WFU Victorville 2023

N1767A, 1993-2001 – became N599FE with FedEx; active

What are your memories of the MD-11 at American Airlines? Did you fly on one? Leave a comment below.

Title image (c) Dean Morley