Malaysia’s flag carrier, Malaysia Airlines, was once known for its diverse aircraft selection and used to operate a wide range of planes following its inception in 1947. Notably, the Malaysian airline operated the American tri-jet McDonnell Douglas MD-11, which served as a component of its historical widebody fleet, enabling it to reach various destinations. Let’s take a closer look into the history of Malaysia Airlines’ MD-11 aircraft operations.
About McDonnell Douglas MD-11
The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 tri-jet emerged as a prominent widebody aircraft during its era. Having evolved from the earlier DC-10, the MD-11 featured enhancements in range, speed, and seating capacity.
With a stretched fuselage measuring 202 ft (61.2 meters), the aircraft could accommodate up to 298 passengers across three cabin classes. This extended design allowed it to fly as far as 7,130 nautical miles (13,200 kilometers). Also, the design boasted a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) that was 14% higher than the DC-10’s.
From 1988 to 2000, McDonnell Douglas produced a total of 200 MD-11 aircraft, a significantly smaller number compared to the previous DC-10 family. Among these, the majority were the standard passenger-carrying variant of the MD-11.
However, the manufacturer produced 53 MD-11F aircraft specifically designed for cargo transportation. In addition, there were a few other variants with smaller production numbers. The MD-11C, a ‘Combi’ aircraft combining passenger and cargo capabilities, had a production count of only five, the same as the extended-range MD-11ER. Furthermore, the MD-11CF, a ‘Convertible Freighter’ variant, had a total production of six aircraft.
Malaysia Airlines’ MD-11 operations in the 90s
During the 1990s, Malaysia Airlines maintained a widebody fleet comprising both McDonnell Douglas DC-10s and the newer MD-11 aircraft. Interestingly, the MD-11 did not play a significant role within the airline’s widebody fleet compared to the DC-10, as it was considered a temporary boost for capacity.
According to ATDB data, Malaysia Airlines introduced the MD-11 into its fleet in 1994, approximately four years after the aircraft’s inaugural flight. Throughout its operational history, the airline had a total of six MD-11 widebody planes, three of which were configured as MD-11 freighters. Comparatively, Malaysia Airlines had as many as 21 older-generation DC-10s at their disposal.
Malaysia Airlines had a relatively brief period of operating the MD-11 aircraft. According to Planespotters.net data, the airline retired its final MD-11, bearing the registration N275WA, in 2000. Malaysia Airlines would replace its MD-11 aircraft with a fleet of popular Boeing 777-200ER widebody airliners.
It is worth noting that Malaysia Airlines did not own any MD-11s, as all of them were leased from World Airways.
What do you make of the McDonnell Douglas MD-11? Did you ever fly on one of these iconic trijets with Malaysia Airlines? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below!
Sources: ATDB, Planespotters.net
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Malaysia Airlines is keen to upgrade its A330s. Photo: Getty Images
Malaysia Airlines
- IATA/ICAO Code:
- MH/MAS
- Airline Type:
- Full Service Carrier
- Hub(s):
- Kuala Lumpur International Airport
- Year Founded:
- May 1st, 1947
- Alliance:
- oneworld
- CEO:
- Izham Ismail
- Country:
- Malaysia
