GUANGZHOU, Dec. 17, 2008 - FedEx Express (FedEx), a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) and the world’s largest express transportation company, today announced the successful completion of its first flight operations test at the new Asia-Pacific Hub at Guangzhou in southern China. As a checkpoint to gauge the new operation’s readiness, the achievement signified another milestone for the new hub in the lead up to its scheduled commencement of operations on February 6, 2009.
The MD-11 aircraft landed at 5:50 a.m. at Baiyun International Airport from Subic Bay, Philippines. The flight was handled by the new FedEx hub team, utilizing the FedEx ramp control tower and the new 24,000 package per hour sort system. Following a successful operations’ process, the flight departed on time for its final destination at Charles de Gaulle International Airport in Paris, France. This Asia-Europe flight route will operate four times per week.
“Today’s flight operations test in Guangzhou represents a significant step in our preparations for the opening of the largest FedEx hub outside the United States,” said David L. Cunningham Jr., president, Asia Pacific, FedEx Express. “The hub reinforces our long-term commitment to this region and will further stimulate trade to and from the EU and Asia, and between the US-Asia trade lanes by providing our customers with fast and reliable service between the largest marketplaces in the world. In addition, the economic impact brought about by such an investment would benefit local businesses, the local economy and customers in China, as well as around the region.
“The flight operations test was a success. It represents a major milestone in the opening of our new Asia Pacific hub,” said Dennice Wilson, vice president, planning, engineering & hub operations, Asia Pacific, FedEx Express. “When operational, customers will receive the seamless, reliable service they expect from FedEx. I’m proud of the team’s achievements. They have delivered an outstanding performance.”
“It is gratifying to see the new FedEx Asia-Pacific Hub conduct a real field test after many months of development and with great support from the government authorities of Guangdong province, Civil Aviation Administration of China and other administration departments,” said Liu Zijing, vice president of Guangzhou Airport Management Corporation. “The flight operations test set up a good beginning for when the FedEx hub in Guangzhou goes into full operation. The flight operations test is not only a key factor to determine if the hub is ready for operations, but also a necessary procedure. The Airport has made the necessary preparations for the hub to be fully operational. We attach great importance to this flight operations test since it is a chance to show our accomplishments. We look forward to when the hub begins full operations.”
The new FedEx Asia-Pacific hub will be the largest facility of its kind outside of the U.S. and represents a US$150 million capital investment. The facility will be the center point of FedEx Asia Pacific operations for the next 30 years. Over the past several months, several key milestones were achieved, including IT, training of more than 900 new employees, and the installation of the hub package and sorting system. The new hub also features its own ramp control tower—a first for an international air express cargo company facility in China.
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