FedEx Express has penned an order with Boeing for 12 767 Freighters and 12 777 Freighters – valued at $6.6 billion at list prices.
With the 777 Freighter, FedEx has been able to connect Asia with its hub in Memphis, non-stop and reduce transit times by up to three hours. This has enabled FedEx to accept packages later in the day and still deliver them on time.
The express operator’s president and chief executive officer, David Cunningham said: “We are taking another positive step in our fleet modernization program as we add more efficient, lower emission aircraft to our global fleet.
“The Boeing 767 and 777 Freighters have brought greater efficiency and reliability to our air operations. The 777, with its tremendous range characteristics, has allowed us to provide faster transit times around the globe. We are excited to add more of these aircraft to our fleet.”
Boeing said this order comes as the air cargo industry continues to gather strength. A year after demand grew by nearly 10 percent, global air freight is on track to increase by another four to five per cent in 2018.
Air cargo carriers are adding capacity to keep up with demand, either by converting passenger airplanes into freighters or ordering new production cargo jets. With the latest order from FedEx Express, Boeing has sold more than 50 widebody freighters so far in 2018.
“We are honored that FedEx has again placed its trust on the wings of the Boeing 767 and 777. This repeat order is a big vote of confidence in Boeing’s market-leading freighter family and the long-term outlook for air freight,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO, Kevin McAllister.
FedEx Express and Boeing have a long-standing partnership. The express carrier is a major operator of the 757F and the largest operator of the 767F and 777F. FedEx is also a customer of Boeing’s Global Services business.
The 767F, based on the 767-300ER (extended range) passenger aircraft, can carry approximately 58 tons (52.7 tonnes) of revenue cargo with intercontinental range, making it a flexible platform for serving long-haul, regional or feeder markets.
The 777F is the world’s longest range twin-engine freighter. The jet can fly 4,900 nautical miles (9,070 kilometers) with a payload of 112 tons (120 metric tonnes or 102,000 kg).
The 777F also uses 18 per cent less fuel compared to the airplanes it replaces, and provides quieter takeoffs and landings that meet airport noise standards.
