Since entering service in 1990, over 150 of McDonnell Douglas' most advanced wide-cabin trijets have been delivered to customers around the world. Although outwardly similar to the DC-10, it is larger and features advanced aerodynamics, propulsion, aircraft systems, cockpit systems, and interior design. Variations of the basic model include the MD11-M, a mixed cargo/passenger version and the MD-11ER, an extended-range version for routes up to 8,280 miles which was delivered in early 1996.

McDonnell Douglas designs and produces a variety of aerospace and defense products. It is one of the world's largest space and defense contractors and the third largest manufacturer of commercial aircraft. The corporation was created in 1967 with the merger of the McDonnell Company of St. Louis and the Douglas Aircraft Company of Southern California. Located in Long Beach, the Douglas Aircraft Company is the commercial aircraft componant of the McDonnell Douglas Corporation. It was founded in 1920 by Donald W. Douglas, and has since delivered more than 45,000 aircraft, including the long line of Douglas Commercial (DC) and McDonnell Douglas (MD) models. The Douglas Aircraft Company employs approximately 11,000 people.