United Parcel Service

UPS Airlines operates under stringent safety regulations set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), adhering to standards similar to commercial passenger airlines, specifically Part 121 of Federal Aviation Regulations for Regularly Scheduled Air Carriers. The FAA also granted its subsidiary, UPS Flight Forward, Inc., a Part 135 certification in 2019, allowing it to operate a drone airline for specialized deliveries, including beyond visual line of sight operations.

However, UPS Airlines has experienced several notable incidents. In September 2010, a UPS Boeing 747-400F crashed in Dubai, resulting in the fatalities of both pilots. Another incident occurred in August 2013, when a UPS Airbus A300-600F crashed during its approach to Birmingham, Alabama, killing both crew members. Most recently, on November 4, 2025, UPS Airlines Flight 2976, operated by a McDonnell Douglas MD-11, crashed in Louisville, Kentucky, shortly after takeoff following an engine separation, causing 14 fatalities, including the three crew members and eleven people on the ground. In response to this recent accident, UPS proactively grounded its entire MD-11 fleet for inspections, following manufacturer recommendations and ahead of an FAA directive, with the process expected to take several months.

Regarding its fleet, UPS Airlines tends to operate aircraft with a higher average age compared to many passenger airlines. As of October 2025, the average fleet age is 25.3 years, with some aircraft exceeding 40 years of age, such as the Boeing 767-200ER(BDSF). Cargo aircraft generally have a longer operational lifespan than passenger jets. UPS maintains its fleet through rigorous maintenance programs, including a ten-year maintenance contract with Delta Tech Ops for the engines of its Boeing 757 fleet, prioritizing reliability and proven technology. While the airline faces ongoing investigations into recent incidents by the NTSB, its adherence to FAA regulations and commitment to maintenance protocols are crucial for its overall safety assessment. No specific safety awards or recognitions were identified in the available information.