UPS has grounded its fleet of McDonnell Douglas MD-11's, the type of plane involved in Tuesday’s deadly crash in Louisville, Kentucky , the company confirmed Friday.

UPS said the move to temporarily ground its MD-11 fleet was made "out of an abundance of caution and in the interest of safety." MD-11s make up 9% of the company's air fleet, it said.

"We made this decision proactively at the recommendation of the aircraft manufacturer. Nothing is more important to us than the safety of our employees and the communities we serve," a UPS spokesman said.

NBC News earlier Friday reported the grounding, citing two sources familiar. A photo seen by NBC News showed a screen in a plane that directed pilots to return and which read: “Per UPS MD11 are not to depart effective immediately."

At leas

See Full Page