The MD-11, the world's only modern, large, wide-cabin trijet, offers commercial aviation's most sophisticated flight deck and advanced automatic system controls providing the lowest pilot workload in the industry. In service with customers in all parts of the world, the MD-11 is produced in Long Beach, California, at the Douglas Aircraft Company division of McDonnell Douglas. A worldwide network of subcontractors and suppliers supports the assembly line.

The MD-11 is available in four models: passenger, all-freighter, convertible-freighter and "combi," in which passengers and freight are carried on the main deck with additional freight carried below the deck.

The nonstop range of the standard MD-11 is approximately 7,800 statute miles (12,655 km) with 298 passengers and their bags. The extended range version of the MD-11 can fly approximately 8,300 statute miles (13,355 km).