FedEx will begin returning its grounded MD-11 freighters to service later this month with a short cargo flight to Miami, following extensive collaboration with Boeing on redesigned engine pylon bearings, reported American Shipper.

Executives stated that technicians are removing pylons from 29 aircraft at 16 global sites and shipping them to maintenance facilities in Indianapolis and Memphis for the installation of new Boeing bearings. The Federal Aviation Administration must still approve the repair procedure, but FedEx has already completed work on two aircraft.

The MD-11 fleet was grounded after the fatal crash of UPS Flight 2976 in Louisville last November, which investigators linked to fatigue cracks in the pylon bulkhead. FedEx has worked closely with Boeing to redesign the bearing, removing a lubrication groove and thickening the ring to reduce stress.

FedEx plans to replace bearings every 4,000 cycles and conduct inspections every 450 cycles. Pilots will undergo a three-day refresher course before the aircraft re-enter service. The company expects to have 24 MD-11s operational worldwide by year-end, with the remainder available for peak season.

Despite higher fuel burn and maintenance costs compared with modern twin-engine aircraft, FedEx extended the MD-11's retirement to 2032, citing its long range and cargo capacity. The first test flights will be followed by revenue services on routes between Memphis and Miami, and Memphis and Newark.