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September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
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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.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 is a three-engine widebody airliner developed from the DC-10. It first flew on 10 January 1990 and entered service with Finnair later that year.

What it is

The MD-11 is a stretched and redesigned version of the DC-10 with winglets, refined wings, and a two-person cockpit. It is a medium- to long-range widebody trijet airliner.

Why it matters

Although production ended in 2000, the MD-11 remains important in global cargo aviation. Its long-range freight capabilities make it a key part of logistics networks serving Canadian markets and beyond.

Key details

The aircraft first flew on 10 January 1990 and entered service with Finnair on 20 December 1990. It was built in passenger, freighter, and combi configurations. Today it is mainly used for cargo operations.

In short

  • Developed from the DC-10 as a stretched, updated trijet.
  • Entered service in 1990 with Finnair.
  • Now primarily used for cargo operations.
  • Production ended in 2000 after Boeing merger.
Canadian angle

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.

Quick questions

What is the MD-11?
A three-engine widebody airliner developed from the DC-10.
When did it first fly?
10 January 1990.
Is it still in service?
Yes, mainly in cargo operations.

Sources

  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