The McDonnell Douglas MD-11F is a three-engine wide-body freighter still working long-haul Los Angeles cargo. Large main deck, long range, and a cost structure that reflects its age rather than its capability.
McDonnell Douglas built the MD-11 as a three-engine long-haul wide-body, and the freighter version has outlasted the passenger variant substantially. A large main-deck door, containerized lower deck and roughly 3,500 to 4,000 nautical miles with a full payload. Full specifications for the McDonnell Douglas MD-11F are published by Boeing Business Jets.
Performance and Cabin
- Category: Cargo Aircraft
- Manufacturer: McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing)
- Year introduced: 1991
- Seating: Crew only (cargo)
- Crew: 2
- Range: 3,592 nautical miles
- Cruise speed: Mach 0.82 (about 473 knots)
- Service ceiling: 43,000 feet
- Length: 200.8 feet
- Wingspan: 169.5 feet
- Height: 57.8 feet
- Baggage volume: 15,530 cubic feet
- Lavatory: Crew only
Why the McDonnell Douglas MD-11F Fits Los Angeles
Capacity approaching a 747 at a lower rate is the MD-11F’s argument, and for Los Angeles trans-Pacific freight that does not quite justify a 747 it is often the sensible middle.
The third engine means a different fuel and maintenance cost base from the modern twins, which is why the type is being retired from most fleets. Availability out of Southern California is thinning year on year.
It needs the long runways. Los Angeles International at 12,923 feet and Ontario at 12,197 feet are the practical fields for a fully loaded departure, with Ontario’s 24-hour no-curfew operation suiting the freight schedule.
Vetting Behind Every Trip
Every operator, aircraft, and crew goes through our internal due diligence before we present any options. Our internal standards meet or exceed what the FAA requires:
- FAR Part 135 charter operators for traditional private aircraft, or FAR Part 121 for airliner-size and group trips (or the foreign equivalent on international legs)
- Operator subscription to Wyvern and ARGUS reviewed where the operator participates; reports may be provided on request.
- Pilot experience and operator incident history reviewed before we recommend an aircraft.
- Fewer than 60 brokers worldwide hold Premium Wyvern Broker Member status, and Air Charter Advisors is one of them.
Charter Pricing Reference
Industry hourly rates for the McDonnell Douglas MD-11F run $16,000 to $21,000 per hour as of 7/2026. Actual quotes vary by operator, routing, positioning, and date.
The MD-11F quotes below a 747 freighter for close to the capacity, which is the whole reason it stays on Los Angeles quote sheets.
Other Cargo Aircrafts Available
- ATR 72F
- Antonov An-124 Ruslan
- Boeing 737-400 Freighter
- Boeing 737-800BCF
- Boeing 747-400F
- Boeing 747-8F
The full cargo aircrafts category page lists every cargo aircraft we arrange for Los Angeles departures.
Contact
For a quote on a McDonnell Douglas MD-11F charter in or out of Los Angeles, call +1 (888) 987-5387 or head to our contact page. For the vetting work behind every trip, see our safety page. To browse cross-category options for the same trip, visit the aircraft directory.
The hourly rates provided are estimates based on 2026 market data and are for informational purposes only. These figures are subject to change and do not constitute a final offer. Final pricing is dynamic and depends on real-time factors including, but not limited to, specific itinerary requirements, aircraft positioning (“ferry” fees), fuel price volatility, and current market availability. These estimates exclude all applicable taxes, de-icing, landing and handling fees, special event fees, international surcharges, overnight crew expenses, and premium catering. Please contact Air Charter Advisors directly for a firm, all-inclusive quote tailored to your specific travel needs.