TOKYO, April 25, 2005¡XFedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX), the world’s largest express transportation company, will begin operating five weekly direct flights between Central Japan International Airport (Centrair) and Shanghai-Pudong International Airport on May 9, 2005 (Monday). With these additions, FedEx operates nine weekly MD-11 flights to/from Centrair.
The new flights meet increasing shipment demand for exports to China, and enable FedEx to extend pickup times from parts of the Chubu region by six hours. Shipments from parts of Aichi, Gifu and Mie prefectures can now be delivered to Shanghai the next business day because the flights for Shanghai depart at 2:00 a.m.
Advances into China by businesses in the region, particularly in the manufacturing and IT industries, have been gaining speed. The need for more express deliveries is growing in industries such as precision machinery and automotive parts, where pressure to shorten lead times is strong.
By making full use of the convenience of Centrair’s 24-hour operation, FedEx will be able to provide more flexible services in Chubu, such as urgent deliveries of large shipments between Chubu and Shanghai.
FedEx will be able to use Centrair for all flights bearing exports to Europe and Shanghai from its stations in Shizuoka and Nagano, which until now have had to fly out of Narita International Airport. FedEx plans to further strengthen its operational capabilities in anticipation of increasing customer demand.
The new direct Chubu-Shanghai flights are a part of FedEx ongoing effort to strengthen its global distribution network linking more than 220 countries and territories. In March 2005, FedEx began operating direct flights linking mainland China and Europe, providing express delivery service from Shanghai to Frankfurt. In addition, Chubu customers shipping to Europe now have up to six additional hours to prepare shipments. It will also enable FedEx to provide customers shipping to Europe with even more reliable services.
About FedEx Corp.
FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenues of $29 billion, the company offers integrated business applications through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world’s most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 250,000 employees and contractors to remain “absolutely, positively” focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. For more information, visit fedex.com.
About FedEx Express
FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp., connects areas that generate 90% of the world’s gross domestic product in one to three business days with door-to-door, customs-cleared service and a money-back guarantee. The company’s unmatched air route authorities and infrastructure make it the world’s largest express transportation company, providing fast, reliable and time-definite transportation of approximately 3.2 million packages to more than 220 countries and territories each working day. FedEx Express employs more than 138,000 employees and has over 50,000 drop-off locations, 671 aircraft and more than 41,000 motorized vehicles in its integrated global network.