The McDonnell Douglas MD-11F is a three-engine widebody freighter still working Mexico’s long-haul cargo routes, offering capacity approaching a 747 at a lower rate on the intercontinental missions where Mexico’s industrial exporters need maximum payload.
McDonnell Douglas built the MD-11 as a three-engine long-haul widebody, and the freighter version has outlasted the passenger variant by decades. A large main-deck cargo door, containerized lower deck, and roughly 3,592 nautical miles of range 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 Mexico
The MD-11F’s argument for Mexico intercontinental freight is straightforward: near-747 capacity at a lower rate, on a routing where the third engine’s higher fuel burn is less of a factor than on a shorter sector. For a Mexico to European manufacturing delivery that justifies widebody capacity but not quite 747 economics, this aircraft has historically been the answer.
Monterrey and Guadalajara are the practical Mexican bases for this size of operation. Both airports have the runway length and established cargo handling for widebody departures. Toluca at 8,460 feet requires operator confirmation of departure performance at maximum weight.
Fleet availability is shrinking as operators retire the type, so scheduling requires more lead time than for the 767 or 777. That said, on Mexico cargo routes where the 747 is not available on the date needed, the MD-11F is often the only alternative at a similar capacity.
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 the 747 freighters for comparable capacity, which is the reason it continues to appear on Mexico long-haul cargo 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 Mexico departures.
Contact
For a quote on a McDonnell Douglas MD-11F charter in or out of Mexico, 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.