FedEx deploys green aircraft at London Stansted

FedEx Express has accepted delivery of a new Boeing 777F aircraft at its Stansted Airport facility in London. The deployment of the greener aircraft is “part of the next evolution of FedEx Express sustainability efforts in reducing its global footprint”.

The Boeing 777F will be operating along the Stansted-Memphis route, and will be first B777F scheduled cargo operation at London Stansted of its kind.

Aircraft enhancements include 18% less emissions and a 18% fuel reduction on a capacity basis compared to the MD-11 used previously on the Stansted-Memphis route, FedEx confirmed.

The B777F will also have a higher capacity – carrying 6.8 tonnes more than the MD-11 – as well as boasting advanced noise reduction, which makes landing and take-offs quieter.

Nick Barton, managing director of London Stansted Airport attended the launch event hosted by David Binks, senior vice president, Operations, FedEx Express Europe.

Binks said: “The launch of the new aircraft at London Stansted is an important step in our long-term commitment of being a responsible corporate citizen both in the UK and around the globe, including many ISO14001-certified FedEx facilities like London Stansted.

“We have applied our long-standing spirit of innovation to a decade-long effort to reduce energy and fuel usage, increase energy efficiency, and put to use technologies that will change the future of our industry.

“Global demand for air cargo and express services continues to grow rapidly and FedEx Express has made significant investments in our network to meet customers’ needs and fulfill our business objectives.

“The environmental efficiencies of this new aircraft, coupled with its attractive payload range and economics, makes the B777F the best choice for FedEx Express and its customers.”

In total, FedEx Express has accepted delivery of 12 B777Fs, including two B777Fs recently launched at the FedEx Express European hub at Charles De Gaulle, Paris, last year, linking Paris with Memphis and Paris with Hong Kong. There are 33 remaining on order, for a total of 45 B777Fs.

Barton said: “At Stansted we’re committed to improving our environmental and operational performance so we welcome the arrival of the new FedEx B777F, one of the world’s most modern air freight carriers.

“With lower noise and emissions levels than the MD-11 it replaces, this investment will also be welcome news to the communities around the airport.

“Having obtained Code F status for the next generation aircraft to operate on our runway, and as the only major London Airport with capacity for growth, we’re delighted FedEx selected its Stansted hub as a base for one of their new B777F.

“Along with the environmental benefits, the new aircraft boosts freight capacity, which is very exciting news for industry and business around the region that rely on the FedEx operations here at Stansted.”