DELHI, India, April 6, 2011—FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) and the world’s largest express transportation company, today announced the launch of a new intercontinental flight route which will provide significant service improvements for customers shipping between the U.S., Middle East, India and Europe. The new Boeing 777F service will provide Indian businesses with better international connectivity as well as additional capacity.
The deployment of the new freighter is part of a series of service and capabilities up-grades by FedEx Express in India to strengthen the company’s commitment to offering unprecedented connectivity and world-class services in the country. The additional payload capacity from India will enable businesses of all sizes to capitalize on untapped global business opportunities.
“Indian businesses are now increasingly expanding beyond geographical boundaries and trading at a global level. This widespread growth has been a strong driving force behind increased cargo space and enhanced connectivity.” said Kenneth F Koval, vice president, Operations, FedEx Express India. “The deployment of a new Boeing 777F is aimed at meeting this demand. The aircraft will offer improved payload capacity, thus addressing the growing need for additional space as well as further underlining our commitment to offering unparalleled connectivity to our customers in India.”
The new Boeing 777F is the world’s largest twin-engine cargo aircraft, which delivers operational efficiencies as well as greater fuel efficiency and lower carbon emissions. FedEx Express is the first U.S.-based, global, all-cargo airline to add the Boeing 777F to its fleet and has already taken delivery of 12 Boeing 777Fs with 32 still on order; for a total of 44 Boeing 777Fs anticipated by the end of fiscal 2019. This is part of FedEx commitment to environmental sustainability and will help the company move closer to its goal of reducing fuel emissions by 20 percent by the year 2020.
Today’s announcement is one in a series of flight enhancements introduced by FedEx Express in Europe, Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa to support increasing customer demand by adding capacity for key markets. Earlier this year, the company launched five weekly direct flights between China and India to strengthen the burgeoning trade lane between India and Asia. The company also launched a new connection between Europe and Asia in 2010 with a direct round-trip flight between Paris and Hong Kong – one of FedEx Express highest yielding trade lanes.