General Product Description

Our PlaneArts McDonnell Douglas MD-11 Lufthansa Cargo model exhibits unique, unrivaled quality and detailed design to come as close as possible to the accuracy of the actual plane. It comes as standard with a robust, durable base or stand which is available in a variety of different finishes designed to match your own personal requirements including solid wood, wood with polished metal supports or adjustable wood wall mount and will be ready within about 9-10 weeks from placement of order.

The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 Lufthansa Cargo model is made of the finest kiln dried renewable mahogany wood (commonly known as Lauan or Meranti) which has undergone many stages of carving and meticulous and careful sanding giving the beautiful finished museum quality masterpiece. Many collectors and model connoisseurs demonstrate their preference for genuine handmade and hand painted mahogany wood models rather than plastic or die cast (diecast) alternatives due to the overall look and totally different feel of the item - we trust you will find the same. We can, however, if required produce the same model in Solid Cast Resin so just click and contact us us for further information. Our craftsmen and gifted artisans ensure that our finely handcrafted model airplanes match the precise blueprint details of the original aircraft. The paint scheme, markings and parts are closely matched, reflecting the original aircraft. This stylish top-quality desktop replica model will surely enthrall anyone who receives this as a gift and for sure one of the most appropriate and desirably collectable gifts for any aviation enthusiast and avid aircraft collector whilst also displaying a perfect resemblance to the actual aircraft.

If you require we can also make the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 Lufthansa Cargo model in any other airline, private livery or colour scheme you require and if necessary in a different size or scale. Just click here to contact us with a description or photographs of what you require, and we will let you have a quotation for the necessary customization by return email. We can also make bespoke scale replicas of any other private / civil commercial airliner or airliners, helicopter, glider, gliders with engines, military jet, warplane jets, propeller warplanes, biplane, triplane, tail fin, spacecraft, rocket or NASA model you require in any airline, military or civilian livery or colors. We also produce model airships, blimp, dirigible, blimps, boat and ship collectibles. Wall plaque or seal for military, government or private customers. Again, by clicking here to contact us just let us know exactly what you need.

The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 Lufthansa Cargo Aircraft: An Era of Trijet Operations

The McDonnell Douglas MD-11, a wide-body trijet airliner, has been a significant part of the global aviation industry. One of its most notable operators was Lufthansa Cargo, the airfreight division of the German flag carrier, Lufthansa

The MD-11 and Lufthansa Cargo:

Lufthansa Cargo’s relationship with the MD-11 began in 1998 when it received its first two examples2. Over the course of 23 years, the airline operated 19 MD-11 Freighters, replacing the Boeing 747-200F1. These aircraft served as the backbone of Lufthansa Cargo’s operations through the late 2000s and early 2010s, delivering cargo through the airline’s Frankfurt, Germany hub.

The MD-11 Freighter was capable of carrying a payload of 102 tons, with 26 main deck and 14 lower deck pallet positions3. Its fuselage was stretched by 11% to 202 ft (61.6 m) to accommodate this capacity4. The aircraft also featured a glass cockpit, eliminating the need for a flight engineer.

Transition to More Efficient Aircraft:

In 2011, Lufthansa Cargo ordered five Boeing 777 Freighters as part of an initiative to shift to a more efficient and newer two-engine widebody1. This decision marked the beginning of the end for the MD-11 Freighter in Lufthansa Cargo’s fleet. The retirement of the MD-11 Freighters was initially scheduled for December 20201. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic and increased cargo demand, the retirement was delayed until October 2021.

The Final Flight:

Lufthansa Cargo retired its final McDonnell-Douglas MD-11 Freighter on Sunday, marking the end of a 20-year era of trijet operations for the airline1. The last flight operated under the flight number Lufthansa flight 8161, a transatlantic hop departing New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport on Oct. 16, at 11:12 p.m. and arriving in Frankfurt at 12:03 p.m. the following day

The last MD-11 Freighter in Lufthansa Cargo’s fleet was D-ALCC, a 23-year old aircraft destined for operations with U.S.-based Western Global Airlines1. To commemorate the aircraft’s service and retirement, D-ALCC sported a “Thank You MD-11, Farewell” sticker, along with a thank you graphic on its forward left cargo door1.

Conclusion:

The retirement of the MD-11 Freighters from Lufthansa Cargo’s fleet marks the end of an era. These aircraft have played a significant role in global cargo operations for over two decades. As the aviation industry continues to evolve towards more efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft, the legacy of the MD-11 Freighters will be remembered for their contribution to the industry.