FedEx adds B777 freighters to eastern China

FedEx adds B777 freighters to eastern China    FedEx Express said it has introduced its first Boeing 777 freighter service to the eastern China air cargo market.
   The B777 directly connects Shanghai with FedEx's Memphis, Tenn. hub, catering to the express carrier's International Priority and International Economy customers in Shanghai, Suzhou and Kunshan areas.
   'With the 777F's shorter flight times, our operational advantages give our customers a competitive advantage in the global marketplace through speed and reliability,' said David L. Cunningham Jr., president of Asia-Pacific for FedEx Express, in a statement. 'In addition, the 777F is able to deliver these benefits while helping FedEx build a more sustainable operation in the long term through its fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.'
   FedEx Express is the first U.S.-based all-cargo freight carrier to add the B777 freighter to its fleet and has placed the largest order for the aircraft type to date. By April 2010, the carrier plans to have four B777s serving routes between Asia and the United States. There will be 15 B777 in the FedEx Express fleet by the end of fiscal year 2014. FedEx Express has a second order of 15 B777s, which will be delivered between fiscal year 2014 and fiscal year 2019, and holds options on 15 more.
   In typical FedEx operations, the B777 freighter has a revenue payload capacity of 178,000 pounds over a distance of 5,800 nautical miles. This represents a payload improvement of 14,000 pounds in payload and 2,100 nautical miles over the MD-11, which had been the primary long-haul plane of the company's fleet. Over shorter ranges, the B777 has the capability of payloads up to 215,000 pounds.