McDonnell Douglas MD-11F

SoonerAlum93 🌵

13 Jul 2026 · © SoonerAlum93

Just sitting at PHX

2 likes 1 comments

Comments (1)

Spotters.Nation · 14 Jul 2026

I’ve been wanting to spot an MD-11

More like this

Aircraft

MD-11F MD11

UPS (United Parcel Service)

N275UP

Registration

Airline

UPS

UPS / 5X

Manufacturer

McDonnell Douglas

Gear

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Apple iPhone 15 Pro back triple camera 9mm f/2.8

Achievements

Cargo King, Rare Bird, Vintage Voyager, Winglet Watcher

4 badges earned

Photo grade

Bronze

Score: 76.0

Classic UPS trijet in profile—nice! Ramp vehicles and hazy midday light reduce visual impact a bit.

Location

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

PHX/KPHX

33.4353, -112.0060

Open map

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport PHX

Airport

Insights

Aviation History

The MD-11 is an iconic trijet widebody, one of the last major trijets in commercial use, and primarily used today in cargo service. Passenger operations ended in 2014.

Fleet Rarity

UPS is one of the few remaining major operators of the MD-11F, and this model is becoming increasingly rare as more are being retired.

Record Flights

Used on long transoceanic and intercontinental cargo routes, previously operated on long-haul passenger flights in the 1990s/early 2000s.

Safety & Events

MD-11s have had several notable landing incidents and structural issues with hard landings, although the UPS fleet has an overall strong safety record.

Future Outlook

Still flying with UPS and a few other cargo carriers; retirements ongoing as newer freighters replace them.

Specifications

Pratt & Whitney PW4460 (typical for MD-11F)

Engine

51.66 meters

Wingspan

61.2 meters

Length

6,680 km

Range

876 km/h

Speed

Up to 92,350 kg (cargo)

Capacity

286,000 kg

MTOW

17.6 meters

Height

60,000 lbf (267 kN) each (PW4460)

Thrust

Quieter than DC-10; ICAO Chapter 3 (varies by engine)

Noise