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McDonnell Douglas MD-11

The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 is a three-engine widebody jet airliner developed from the DC-10 and built for medium- to long-range routes.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 is a three-engine widebody jet airliner developed from the DC-10 and built for medium- to long-range routes. It first flew on 10 January 1990 and entered service with Finnair later that year. Production continued after McDonnell Douglas merged with Boeing, and the type is now used mainly as a cargo aircraft.

Development

The MD-11 was developed by McDonnell Douglas as an enlarged and updated successor to the DC-10. Changes included a longer fuselage, winglets, new engines, improved aerodynamics, and greater use of composite materials.

Design

The aircraft uses a three-engine configuration with two engines under the wings and one at the base of the vertical tail. It is a widebody aircraft intended for medium- to long-range operations.

Operational history

The MD-11 first flew on 10 January 1990, received FAA certification later that year, and entered airline service with Finnair on 20 December 1990. After production ended in 2000, following Boeing's acquisition of McDonnell Douglas, the type remained in service mainly as a freighter.

Variants and use

The MD-11 was built in passenger, freighter, convertible freighter, and combi configurations. Modern operators primarily use it for cargo services. The MD-11 is relevant to Canadian readers mainly through cargo aviation and international air freight networks; its long-range freight role has made it part of global logistics serving Canadian markets.

Key facts

  • The MD-11 is a medium- to long-range widebody airliner with three engines.
  • It is a stretched and redesigned development of the DC-10, with winglets, refined wings and tailplane, and increased use of composites.
  • Its first flight was on 10 January 1990, and it entered service with Finnair later that year.
  • The aircraft is now used mainly for cargo operations.
  • Production ended in 2000 after Boeing took over the program.
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Canadian context

The MD-11 is relevant to Canadian readers mainly through cargo aviation and international air freight networks; its long-range freight role has made it part of global logistics serving Canadian markets.

Frequently asked questions

What is the MD-11?
The MD-11 is a three-engine widebody airliner developed by McDonnell Douglas from the DC-10.
When did the MD-11 first fly?
It made its maiden flight on 10 January 1990.
Who was the first airline to receive it?
Finnair received the first MD-11 on 7 December 1990.
Is the MD-11 still in service?
Yes, but mainly in cargo operations rather than passenger service.
Was the MD-11 built by Boeing?
It was developed by McDonnell Douglas, and Boeing later continued production after acquiring McDonnell Douglas.
What aircraft is the MD-11 based on?
It is based on the McDonnell Douglas DC-10.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McDonnell_Douglas_MD-11
    Supports: First flight date, FAA certification, first delivery, entry into service, design and DC-10-based development
  2. Wikipedia — https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/McDonnell_Douglas_MD-11
    Supports: Production by McDonnell Douglas and Boeing, design changes from DC-10
  3. Flugzeuginfo — http://www.flugzeuginfo.net/acdata_php/acdata_md11_en.php
    Supports: Three-engine configuration, capacity, cargo variant, two-person cockpit, engine options
  4. Simple Flying — https://www.simpleflying.com/mcdonnell-douglas-md-11/
    Supports: Production ending in 2000, last delivery in 2001, cargo use and remaining operators