FedEx doubles flights to China
FedEx Express, an operating unit of FedEx Corp. (NYSE:FDX), was today awarded 12 additional weekly flights to China by the U.S. Department of Transportation, bringing its total to 23. The additional authority will allow FedEx Express to operate more all-cargo flights to and from China than any other U.S. airline.
FedEx Express will use six of its awarded frequencies to provide a new westbound round-the-world service connecting the U.S. to Shanghai with stops in Europe and other points in Asia using an MD-11 freighter.
The other six frequencies, available in March 2005, will be used to establish an eastbound round-the-world service connecting the U.S., Europe, Japan and India to Shanghai, Shenzhen, and other points in Asia using an MD-11 aircraft.
Looking ahead to 2006, FedEx has asked the DOT for six additional weekly flights (bringing the total of weekly flight to 29) to include Guangzhou into its global and regional express networks.
Currently, FedEx Express operates 11 weekly flights to China, serving Shanghai, Beijing and Shenzhen. Today, FedEx offers the only direct flight between the United States and the Pearl River Delta, via its daily flight from Shenzhen.
"FedEx already provides access to more cities across China and throughout the Asia Pacific region than any other global express provider. These additional frequencies will enhance our capabilities and strengthen our service offerings between China and North America, Europe and Japan," said Michael L. Ducker, executive vice president, International for FedEx Express. "Without question, China is restructuring the economic landscape of the entire world, and FedEx has been a part of that growth since beginning service there 20 years ago."
In the quarter ended Aug. 31, revenue from international operations increased 25 percent, fueled by strong growth in Asia, including a 52 percent increase in China export volume.
"This year, approximately $60 billion worth of goods will leave China by air and another $61 billion worth of goods will enter China by air. Over the last three years, U.S. exports to China have grown by 75 percent, making the United States second only to Japan as China's top trading partner. In fact, in April 2002 FedEx became one of the first U.S. cargo air carriers to establish direct service between Japan and China," Ducker said.
FedEx provides Small Businesses with International Shipping Guidance
FedEx is committed to educating small and mid-sized businesses about the benefits of international commerce, particularly to and from China. FedEx was recently chosen by the U.S. Department of Commerce to provide small business customers with the knowledge and tools needed to begin international shipping.
FedEx is also working with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on a series of educational seminars about doing business in China to promote export opportunities and ensure the growth and competitiveness of small and mid-sized companies in the international arena.
FedEx Leadership helps Chinese Community
A FedEx-sponsored medical mission was conducted in Shenyang, capital of Northeast China's Liaoning Province, aboard the ORBIS DC-10, the world's only flying eye hospital, from September 13-24. About 200 patients were treated by international eye specialists as a part of the two-week training program for Chinese eye care professionals. Local FedEx employees helped the ORBIS team raise awareness of the eye disease glaucoma in Shenyang. Similar events are scheduled to take place in the southwestern city of Kunming, where another sight-saving program aboard the flying eye hospital will occur October 18-29. Supporting ORBIS for over 20 years, FedEx serves as the primary aviation sponsor and facilitates medical supply shipments to ORBIS program sites throughout the world.
About FedEx in China
FedEx entered China in 1984 and, since that time, has expanded its guaranteed service to cover more than 220 cities across the country with plans to add 100 additional cities over the next few years. Customers in China have access to a full portfolio of FedEx services including the latest pick-up times, fast and efficient delivery and electronic customs clearance. In December, Shanghai became the headquarters for FedEx in China, employing more than 1,900 people.
About FedEx
FedEx Corp. provides customers and businesses worldwide with the broadest portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenues of $26 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 240,000 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 www.fedex.com.
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CONTACT: FedEx Corp., Memphis
Kristin Krause, 202-218-3808
[email protected]
KEYWORD: TENNESSEE CHINA INTERNATIONAL ASIA PACIFIC
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: AIRLINES TRANSPORTATION
SOURCE: FedEx Corp.
