FedEx Opt For Twenty Nine New Freighters as They Expand Air Cargo Operations

US – Boeing has revealed that Fedex Express has taken up an option to order two additional 777 freighters to add to their growing fleet and ordered twenty seven new 767’s, the first time the express air cargo carrier has purchased the freighter based on the popular 767-300ER (extended range) passenger airplane. Boeing says the addition of the 767 Freighters will enable FedEx to replace its less efficient, medium widebody cargo airplanes with freighters that provide fuel, maintenance and other cost savings.

The Fedex fleet now numbers some 690 cargo carriers and the new 767’s are capable of carrying around 53 tonnes of freight whilst retaining full intercontinental capability. The 777 Freighter is the world's longest range twin-engine freighter that can fly 4,900 nautical miles (9,070 kilometres) with a full payload. FedEx is the largest operator of 777 freighters with 17 aircraft in operation and with orders and options for an additional 41 aircraft.

The order further increases what has been a record year for Boeing’s 777 program taking the net order total to 200 aircraft. David J. Bronczek, president and chief executive officer of FedEx Express commented:

"The 767-300 Freighter will be a great complement to our fleet. The 767 freighter, with its solid efficiency among medium wide body cargo airplanes, is an ideal solution to support our strategy of providing fast and reliable delivery to every U.S. address and to more than 220 countries and territories."

Boeing were clearly delighted with the order and Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Jim Albaugh said:

"FedEx Express is one of the industry's premier air-freight carriers. The way they have operated the 777 has demonstrated to the world its capabilities as a freighter. We are excited they have chosen to further expand their 777 fleet. We're also looking forward to seeing the 767 join FedEx's lineup of airplanes. The 767 is a proven freighter and this order constitutes a strong vote of confidence for its capabilities. It is an airplane that we will be building for decades."