Thirty B777 Freighters Ordered For Delivery Over The Next 10
Years
FedEx Express unveiled its first Boeing 777 Freighter (777F)
during ceremonies with The Boeing Company in Everett, Washington
Tuesday. FedEx Express is the first U.S.-based global all-cargo
freight airline to take delivery of the 777F, and has placed the
largest order for the aircraft model to date.
“The Boeing 777 is an extraordinary testament to our
dedication to fleet enhancement, allowing FedEx Express to provide
unmatched services to our customers around the world,” said
David J. Bronczek, president and chief executive officer, FedEx
Express. “Its payload capacity, range and environmental
efficiencies create well-rounded, long-term strategic value for our
company in meeting the global shipping demands of
customers.”
Introduction of the 777F to the FedEx fleet of more than 650
aircraft expands what is already the world’s largest cargo
airline. Its international routes will provide service benefits to
customers and enhance the efficiency of the FedEx Express global
network.
The 777F is the world’s largest twin-engine cargo
aircraft. Its flight range, the equivalent of about 6,675 land
miles, or nearly three times the approximate distance between the
east and west coasts of the U.S., is the longest of any two-engine
freighter, with a payload capacity of 215,000 pounds (98 metric
tons).
This represents an increase in range of more than 2,400 miles
and an additional 14,000 pounds of payload over the MD-11
freighter, which until now has been the primary long-haul aircraft
in the company’s fleet.
The global freighter’s range enables FedEx Express to fly
between major markets and hubs in Asia, Europe and the U.S. with
more freight and in less time than it takes today, allowing later
cut-off times for customers in the markets to drop off their
shipments. For example, 777F transit times from points in Asia to
the U.S. will be from one to three hours faster than those of the
MD-11.
In addition to service enhancements the aircraft provides for
our customers, the freighter also delivers noteworthy environmental
benefits and efficiencies:
- Uses 18 percent less fuel than an MD-11;
- State-of-the-art engine technology reduces emissions 18
percent;
- Advanced noise-reduction technology meets airport noise
standards and makes landings and takeoffs quieter;
- Has lower maintenance and operating costs than other aircraft
in its class.
“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. Our customers around the
world will benefit from more point-to-point routes and the shorter
flight times, increasing their competitiveness in the global
marketplace.”
By April 2010, FedEx Express plans to have four 777Fs serving
routes between Asia and the U.S. In all, there will be 15 777Fs in
the company’s fleet by the end of fiscal 2014; FedEx Express
also has a second order of 15 777Fs, which will be delivered
between fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2019, and holds options on 15 more
777Fs.