N289UP

The airframe bearing registration N289UP is a McDonnell Douglas MD-11F built in 1992 with manufacturer's serial number 48455. This freighter was manufactured by McDonnell Douglas and has been operated in cargo service by UNITED PARCEL SERVICE CO, a corporation based in Louisville, KY, US, which remains the listed owner. The aircraft is registered in the US and has a documented corporate ownership trail without public record of major registry transfers or retirements beyond its service under UPS. Valuation and detailed condition reports for this specific airframe are not published.

This airframe is configured as a converted freighter with main deck cargo pallet positions capable of accommodating up to 26 pallets depending on specific configuration, and with lower deck LD3 positions for additional unit load device carriage. The flight deck retains the original MD-11 avionics architecture, featuring a Honeywell VIA 2000 CRT-based flight deck installation. Typical mission profiles for this aircraft while operated by UNITED PARCEL SERVICE CO include long-range, heavy cargo routes consistent with express package network operations out of the company’s Louisville base. Cabin and cargo arrangements emphasize high-density pallet carriage and quick turnaround; maintenance considerations focus on three-engine systems, MD-11-specific structural and avionics support, and logistics for lower-deck ULD handling.

The McDonnell Douglas MD-11F occupies a niche as a long-range, medium-to-large freighter with tri-jet performance characteristics, offering performance suitable for transcontinental and intercontinental cargo missions within express carrier networks. Competing types in the used freighter market historically include modern twin-engine widebodies converted freighters and earlier tri-jet types, with buyer demand influenced by fuel efficiency, payload-range capability, and availability of maintenance support for tri-engine systems. Resale and maintenance considerations for this serial include support for PW4460 engines and legacy MD-11 avionics and airframe upkeep.