FedEx expects minimal disruption from the grounding of its MD-11 freighter fleet as inspections are completed and alternative aircraft deployed, reports New York's FreightWaves.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered FedEx, UPS and Western Global Airlines to halt MD-11 flights after a UPS crash in Louisville killed 14 people. Inspections are focusing on engines and mounts after a left-wing engine detached during take-offs.

FedEx mechanics, working with Boeing and the FAA, will inspect 25 aircraft in the operating fleet. The company owns 34 MD-11s, with six inactive and three kept as spares.

Chief Financial Officer John Dietrich said inspected aircraft will return to service individually rather than waiting for the entire fleet. The timing is critical as peak holiday shipping season approaches.

FedEx is activating spare aircraft, delaying routine maintenance and routing shipments through commercial airline partners. It is also shifting more packages to its domestic ground network, as most MD-11s operate domestically.

The grounded jets count towards FAA flight reduction targets during the government shutdown. Restrictions began at 40 airports last week, with cancellations set to reach 10 per cent by November 14.

CEO Raj Subramaniam said Boeing and regulators are cooperating urgently to restore operations.