FedEx launches B777 Freighter on US-Shanghai route

FEDEX Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corporation, has announced that the first Boeing 777 Freighter (777F) to join its fleet has been deployed on its US-Shanghai service, to meet growing demand in Eastern China.

"With mainland China being one of the fastest-growing markets for FedEx in the Asia Pacific region and Shanghai having the biggest outbound transpacific route, the new aircraft is being placed to support strong customer demand," a company statement said.

Since January 4, the new 777F service that targets shippers and freight forwarders based in Shanghai, Suzhou and Kunshan, has been directly connecting Shanghai with the FedEx Super Hub in Memphis, Tennessee.

"The deployment of our first 777F aircraft in the Asia Pacific region demonstrates the FedEx commitment to delivering innovation that advances the express logistics industry," said FedEx Express (Asia Pacific) president David Cunningham in reference to the aircraft's engine which has been designed to reduce emissions by 18 per cent. This falls in line with FedEx's commitment to reduce aircraft emissions of carbon dioxide by 20 per cent by 2020.

By April 2010, FedEx Express plans to have a total of four 777Fs serving routes between Asia and the US. It expects to have 15 x 777Fs in its fleet by the end of fiscal 2014. FedEx Express also has a second order of 15 x 777Fs, which are scheduled for delivery between fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2019, and holds options on 15 more.

"With the 777F's shorter flight times, our operational advantages give our customers a competitive advantage in the global marketplace through speed and reliability. In addition, the 777F is able to deliver these benefits while helping FedEx build a more sustainable operation in the long term through its fuel efficiency and reduced emissions," added Mr Cunningham.

Source: www.schednet.com