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MD-11 cost of ownership

What does it cost to own and operate the McDonnell Douglas MD-11? The calculator below estimates annual cost and fully-burdened cost per flight hour, pre-filled with assumptions typical for its class and fully editable to your operation.

Class
Commercial
Engines
3 × Turbofan
Seats
410
Max range
6,840 nm

Your assumptions

Edit any field — the estimate updates instantly.

Cost per flight hour
$6,893
fully-burdened
Annual operating cost
$1,749,000
fixed + variable
Annual fixed cost
$545,000
Variable cost / hour
$3,010

Where the money goes (annual)

  • Other$1,387,293
  • Maintenance$520,000
  • Fuel$480,000
  • Crew$280,000
  • Insurance$90,000
Members & partners

The complete ownership & ROI analysis

The figures above are indicative. The complete model — built on verified data and current market pricing for a specific aircraft, and extended to financing, charter economics, a five-year projection and full ROI, NPV and IRR analysis — is prepared for our members and partners.

5-year ROI projection

Year-by-year cash flow, equity & ROI

Financing & amortization

Down payment, interest, balance owed, true cost of debt

Charter revenue & break-even

Utilisation, occupancy, break-even hours

NPV / IRR + client-ready PDF

Discounted returns and an exportable report

View membership plans

An account shows cost per flight hour and annual cost. Membership adds the five-year ROI, financing, charter economics, NPV/IRR and report exports.

These figures are indicative — class-typical starting values for the MD-11, not its price or a quotation. A precise, data-backed analysis with current market pricing is available through a HangarMart membership on the MD-11 page, or prepared with our advisors.

About the MD-11

The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 — part of the MD-11 family — is a commercial airliner aimed at high-capacity scheduled passenger service. It entered service in 1990 and is now an established, widely-supported design, developed in the United States.

On performance, it offers a maximum range of about 6,840 nautical miles and a cruise of roughly 473 knots. It seats up to 410 passengers and is powered by 3 General Electric CF6-80C2 engines.

Its 6,840 nm range makes it well matched to nonstop ultra-long-haul sectors. It is flown by a two-pilot crew and is approved for IFR flight. For buyers weighing the MD-11, compare its specifications and operating profile against the closest alternatives below before requesting a quote.

MD-11 cost of ownership: FAQs

How much does it cost to own a MD-11?

Total cost of ownership for the MD-11 depends mostly on how much you fly it. The largest drivers are crew, the engine/maintenance program, fuel, insurance and hangarage. Enter your own annual hours in the calculator above for an estimated annual cost and a fully-burdened cost per flight hour, then talk to our advisors for a precise model built on current market data.

What is the MD-11's operating cost per flight hour?

Hourly cost is driven by fuel burn, engine and airframe maintenance programs, and reserves. As a commercial with turbofan powerplant, the MD-11 sits in that class's cost band — variable (hourly) costs rise with utilisation while fixed costs are spread across more hours. Use the calculator to see the cost per hour at your expected annual hours.

What are the biggest costs of owning a MD-11?

Ownership costs split into fixed costs that you pay regardless of flying (crew salaries, insurance, hangar, management and scheduled maintenance reserves) and variable costs that scale with hours flown (fuel, engine-program charges and maintenance). For a commercial like the MD-11, crew and the engine program are typically among the largest line items.

Is it cheaper to charter or to own a MD-11?

At low or variable annual utilisation, chartering or leasing is usually more economical because you avoid the fixed costs of ownership; above a breakeven level of annual hours, owning the MD-11 tends to win. Model your hours in the calculator, then compare against our charter and leasing options to find your breakeven.

Are these MD-11 cost figures exact?

No — the defaults are indicative, class-typical starting values, not the price of the MD-11 or a quotation. They are there so the estimate is sensible for the aircraft's class; adjust every input to your operation. A precise, data-backed ownership model with current market pricing is available through our acquisition advisory team.

Thinking about the MD-11?

Our advisory team can build a precise ownership model for the MD-11and tell you, independently, whether it's the right aircraft for your mission.

Acquisition advisory