FedEx Express welcomes its first 777 Freighter

The 777 Freighter will enable FedEx Express to fly further and carry more.

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FedEx Express has vowed to boost service levels after taking delivery of its first 777 Freighter.

With the plane's 98 tonne payload and ability to fly the equivalent of 6,675 land miles, FedEx Express will be able to reach major markets and hubs in Asia, Europe and the US with more freight and in less time than it takes today.

This will allow later cut-off times for customers dropping off their shipments.

Compared with FedEx’s current workhorse, the MD-11, the 777 F delivers an increase in range of more than 2,400 miles and an additional 14,000 pounds of payload.

“The 777F is a game-changer,” said Michael L. Ducker, president, international, FedEx Express.

“Its operational efficiencies and environmental benefits alone are impressive, but combine those advantages with the service improvements it delivers and FedEx will be able to take international shipping to another level."

The 777F also delivers the following benefits to FedEx: it uses 18% less fuel than an MD-11; its engine technology reduces emissions by 18%; and its noise reduction technology meets airport noise standards and makes landings and takeoffs quieter.

By April 2010, FedEx Express plans to have four 777Fs serving routes between Asia and the U.S. In all, there will be 15 in the company’s fleet by the end of fiscal 2014.

FedEx Express also has a second order of 15 planes, which will be delivered between fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2019, and it holds options on 15 more 777Fs.

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