History - Giant Pandas Ping Ping and Fu Shuang Arrive in Atlanta on the FedEx Panda Express

FedEx provided dedicated air transportation from China to deliver pandas to Zoo Atlanta

FedEx Corporation (NYSE: FDX) transported two giant pandas, six-year-old male Ping Ping and five-year-old female Fu Shuang, from Chengdu, China to Atlanta, Ga. Working with Zoo Atlanta, the pandas traveled aboard a FedEx Boeing 777-F, known as the “FedEx Panda Express.”

For decades, FedEx has worked with the Chinese government and zoos worldwide to provide safe, specialized transportation for giant pandas. FedEx is proud to donate the full transportation cost of this move as part of its ongoing corporate social responsibility and environmental conservation efforts. The company is committed to keeping supply chains moving and connecting communities around the world by enabling global trade.

Throughout their non-stop flight from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Ping Ping and Fu Shuang traveled in custom-built travel crates under the care of Zoo Atlanta animal specialists. The pandas were the sole cargo aboard the aircraft, accompanied only by fresh bamboo, water, and an assortment of their favorite treats.

“We have had the privilege of transporting giant pandas for more than two decades, and every time the FedEx Panda Express is called into service, our entire team feels the significance of the mission,” said Richard W. Smith, chief operating officer, International, and chief executive officer, Airline, FedEx. “Safely delivering Ping Ping and Fu Shuang to their new home in Atlanta underscores our long-standing commitment to global conservation and our network’s ability to securely transport high-priority, precious cargo.”

Before their trip, the bears spent time getting accustomed to their enclosures to ensure a safe and comfortable journey. Following their arrival at Zoo Atlanta, Ping Ping and Fu Shuang have begun their quarantine ahead of their public debut later this year.

FedEx also provided trucking and logistical support in Atlanta to safely transport the pandas from the airport to Zoo Atlanta. Including this move, FedEx has had the privilege of transporting 23 pandas to and from China since 2000.

FEDEX

 

SPECIAL LIVERY Retrojet c/s - FedEx unveils retrojet

FedEx unveiled a retro-livery on its Boeing B777F-FS2 N884FD (37137) at Memphis (TN). The company has repainted the aircraft to honor the legacy of its founder Frederick W. Smith.

 At the same time of the unveiling, the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority celebrated renaming Memphis-International Airport into Memphis-Frederick W. Smith International Airport.

The retro-livery is the same livery the company introduced on its first aircraft back in 1972. It has received the name "Rosie", after one of the granddaughters of Frederick W. Smith.

FEDEX

FLEET - FedEx has now returned four MD-11Fs to operations and aims to have all of its MD-11Fs in service again by 4Q 2026.

Duncan Stewart
 

AIRCRAFT - FedEx flies again with the MD-11F.

FedEx has begun the process of returning MD-11Fs to service. Since the model was grounded in November 2025 following the UPS crash, the company has been working with Boeing on a solution to reinforce the wing-mounted engine pylons. The solution still needs FAA approval, but it appears to be nearing completion, given that the airline has already conducted its first flights.

To date, two MD-11Fs have been modified. Aircraft N521FE (48478) conducted a round-trip test flight between Memphis (TN) and Los Angeles (CA) on May 10, 2026, and on the same day also made its first commercial flight from Memphis to Los Angeles (CA). Its sister aircraft, N621FE (48792), made a test flight on May 9, 2026, departing from Memphis, and made its first commercial flight on May 10, 2026, to Miami (FL).

Currently, FedEx has 29 MD-11Fs in its fleet, which have been relocated to various locations around the world after being decommissioned. The company is preparing dedicated repair teams that will be sent to the sixteen different locations where the aircraft are currently stationed.

FedEx plans to put 24 MD-11Fs into operation and use the remaining five as a "flexible reserve" for when there is an increase in demand. The model is expected to be retired in 2032, when replacement aircraft are delivered.

Scramble / Photos: Duncan Stewart

 

ORDER - FedEx also firms B777F-options

Next to announcing firming-up options on the ATR72-600F, FedEx has also announced it has decided to firm-up options for eight additional B777Fs. All eight should be delivered by 2027. With this latest order, FedEx now has open orders with Boeing for ten B777Fs.

At the same time, the company has decided to postpone the retirement of its McDonnell-Douglas MD-11Fs from 2028 to 2032, which is good news for lovers of the trijet.

Currently, the FedEx-fleet is made-up of 15 ATR42Fs, 42 ATR72Fs, 65 Airbus A300-600Fs, one B737-400F, eight B737-800Fs, 87 B757-200Fs, 143 B767-300Fs, 58 B777Fs, and 25 MD-11Fs.

Photo by FedEx.

ORDER - ATR Announces New Order of ATR 72-600F

World’s largest express transportation provider adds 10 ATR 72-600F to its feeder fleet

Toulouse, 21 March 2025 – ATR, the leading manufacturer of regional aircraft worldwide, today announced a major contract with FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX), the world’s largest express transportation provider, for the acquisition of 10 ATR 72-600F. This order adds to a previous commitment of 30 aircraft, and deliveries are scheduled between 2027 and 2029.

The only in-production regional freighter on the market, the ATR 72-600F incorporates the latest technology featured in the ATR –600 series while being specifically designed for cargo operations. A bulk configuration helps in optimising the available volume – up to 75 m3 – thanks to the nine vertical nets, attachment points on the floor and lateral tracks. In addition, with a large cargo door, cargo loading system and wide cross section, the ATR 72-600F can accommodate industry-standard Unit Load Devices (ULDs) and interline with larger freighters.

This purpose-built design, with its 9.2t payload, makes the ATR 72-600F a key asset in FedEx’s fleet, replacing its legacy ATRs, and helping optimise its network capabilities worldwide. Its high versatility allows for seamless operations across multiple countries, logistical frameworks and environments, from the warm climates of Miami, Florida, to the cold temperatures of Anchorage, Alaska. FedEx’s fleet of ATR 72-600F handles critical feeder operations, playing a vital role in the company’s coverage of smaller markets.

“FedEx’s decision to order additional ATR 72-600F underscores their trust in our aircraft’s performance and versatility. Our freighter variant is an essential component of the ATR family, offering significant advantages over traditional passenger-to-freighter conversions, including enhanced reliability and availability, and longer-term planning” added Alexis Vidal, Senior Vice-President Commercial of ATR.

These 10 aircraft are part of the 2024 undisclosed orders ATR released last month.

 ATR

Giant Pandas Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and Xiao Qi Ji Arrive in China on the FedEx Panda Express

MEMPHIS, Tenn., Nov. 9, 2023 – Today, three giant pandas, including 25-year-old Mei Xiang, 26-year-old Tian Tian, and their three-year-old cub, Xiao Qi Ji, arrived in Chengdu, China on a FedEx Express charter flight from Washington, D.C. Working with the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, the giant pandas began their journey on November 8 and traveled via a FedEx Express Boeing 777F, dubbed the “FedEx Panda Express.”

The shipping and logistics company has long worked with the Chinese government and zoos around the world to safely ship giant pandas to and from China. FedEx is proud to donate the cost of transporting the pandas as part of its ongoing corporate social responsibility and environmental conservation efforts.

On their journey to China, the pandas were accompanied by animal care experts from the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute and traveled in custom-built transport enclosures provided by FedEx. The pandas were the only cargo on the trans-Pacific flight from Washington’s Dulles International Airport to China’s Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, aside from supplies such as bamboo, water, and their favorite treats, including sugar cane, apples, and pears.

“We are deeply honored to again serve as the transportation provider of giant pandas. The safe delivery of Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and Xiao Qi Ji is a testament to the company’s commitment and ability to securely ship precious cargo,” said Richard Smith, president and chief executive officer, Airline and International, FedEx. “I remember fondly when we brought Mei Xiang and Tian Tian over decades ago, and we are proud to once again be entrusted with transporting these beloved animals through our global network.”

Before their trip, the pandas spent time getting familiar with their enclosures to ensure a safe and comfortable flight. Upon arrival in Chengdu, Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and Xiao Qi Ji were greeted on the tarmac by their new keepers before moving to the Shenshuping facility in Wolong, where they will quarantine for approximately 30 days.

FedEx also provided trucking and logistical support in Washington, D.C. to safely transport the pandas from the Smithsonian’s National Zoo to the airport. Including this move, FedEx has had the privilege of transporting 15 different pandas on 10 separate flights over the past two decades, including transporting Mei Xiang and Tian Tian to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo from China in 2000 and their cubs from the Smithsonian’s National Zoo to China, including:

· Tai Shan in 2010

· Bao Bao in 2017

· Bei Bei in 2019

The other previous deliveries of giant pandas to and from China include:

· 2023: from USA to China

· 2013: from China to Canada

· 2012: from China to France

· 2011: from China to Scotland

· 2003: from China to USA

FEDEX

 

FedEx retires MD-10-30Fs.

After the Holidays airlift in December 2022, FedEx retired the MD-10-30F from its operations. The following final eight MD-10-30Fs were withdrawn from service:

N306FE (48287), retired 31 December 2022

N307FE (48291), retired 30 December 2022

N311FE (46871), retired 31 December 2022

N313FE (48311), retired 29 December 2022

N316FE (48314), retired 31 December 2022

N318FE (46837), retired 30 December 2022

N319FE (47820), retired 30 December 2022

N321FE (47836), retired 29 December 2022

On 31 December 2022, N311FE was the last of the classic trijets to operate her final flight as FDX168 into Memphis (TN) out of Monterrey, making it the final operational flight for the type. Earlier that day N306FE arrived from Toronto as FDX147, and N316FE as FDX154 out of Toluca, also into Memphis.

Overall FedEx operated 112 DC-10-freighters in three versions; 25 DC-10-10s, 6 DC-10-30s, and 81 MD-10s. This latter version is the designation of the modernised DC-10-10/30 where Boeing installed a new glass cockpit and improved avionics between 1999 and 2010. This upgrade allowed another 10 to 13 years of service throughout Northern America. The need for a Flight Engineer was also dropped after the conversion as the MD-10 came quite close to the MD-11F. Among the MD-10 fleet some frames found new owners; N301FE (46800) joined Project Orbis (the flying eye hospital) in 2010 as N330AU, and N314FE (48312) joined Bolivian airline TAB Cargo in 2013 as CP-2791. Two frames got involved in accidents. The first one was N364FE (46600) on 18 December 2003 after a hard landing at Memphis (TN) causing a landing gear collapse and ending up in flames. The second was N370FE (46608) in a similar style event on 28 October 2016 at Fort Lauderdale (FL).

MD-10 N311FE was ferried from Memphis (TN) to Victorville (CA) on 11 January 2023 as her final resting place, following sisterships N316FE, which flew in on 9 January 2023 from Memphis (TN), and N319FE from Indianapolis (ID). Most frames are expected to meet the axeman at Victorville as there is not much demand nowadays for the old ladies. Their cargo volumes are replaced by new build B767-300F freighters, transporting similar loads at much better fuel consumption and with smaller noise footprints.

Photo: Duncan Stewart - LAX

 

FedEx pushes Boeing for B787F, NMA-F decision

The executive chairman of FedEx Express (FX, Memphis Int'l) has confirmed that the cargo specialist is planning to place new aircraft orders in the next couple of years and is talking to Boeing and Airbus about candidate aircraft types. Also under active consideration is a program to acquire and convert B777-300(ER) into freighters.

Speaking to Leeham News & Analysis, Fred Smith said Boeing had shown him concepts of the B787F and New Midsize Airplane Freighter (NMA-F). Smith is also keen on a freighter variant of the A321-200neo and the A350F, saying it is a plane FedEx would "consider in the future."

According to the ch-aviation fleets advanced module, FedEx has a fleet of 424 aircraft, including 41 that are inactive. The ranks of inactive planes are set to grow as FedEx begins parking more as the demand for air freight begins to slow. FedEx flies aircraft from seven family types, including A300s, MD-10Fs, MD-11Fs, B757Fs, B767Fs, B777S, and a solitary ATR42-300(F).

Of FedEx's sixty-seven A300s, one is an A300-600(F), forty-two are A300-600Fs, and twenty-four are A300-600R(F)s. Additionally, FedEx has fifty-eight MD-11Fs and nine ACVs!DC1030Fs although the MD-10-11s are due to exit the fleet in 2023. There are also 108 B757-200(SF)s, fifty-two B777-200Fs, and 119 B767-300Fs.

Complicating the fleet decision-making process at FedEx is the imminent cessation of B767 and B777 production. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said last year that it would adopt International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards that will see the production of the B767s and B777s end in 2028. Both fleet types at FedEx are relatively young. The average age of the B767F fleet at the airline is 4.4 years while the average age of the B777Fs is 7.8 years.

In the absence of any policy change or extension at the FAA, that sees the yet-to-enter-production B787F and NMA-F shape up as successor aircraft to the B767F and B777F. Smith notes that the dual aisle design in the NMA-F would take the same sized container as the B767F.

Acknowledging the pluses of the A350F, including its fuel efficiencies, Smith seems to have a lean towards Boeing because of the operational and flying commonalities with the existing planes. But with the B787F or NMA-F still years off flying, converting B767-300(ER)s into freighters is a stopgap solution FedEx is considering. But Smith says there is a shortage of the planes available for conversion and their high fuel burn and high emissions count against them.

The executive chairman's optimum outcome is a waiver from the FAA to allow B767 production to continue beyond 2028, even if only for US customer airlines. Alternatively, Boeing could make a decision about the B787F and NMA-Fs and begin moving at least one type towards production.

CH Aviation

FedEx firms options on B767F

FedEx has announced, in a call with investors about its Q4-2021 results, that it has decided to firm options on twenty B767-300Fs. The additional freighters are set to be delivered in FedEx's fiscal years 2024 and 2025.

With this order, the cargo company has now ordered a total of 150 B767-300Fs with Boeing. Of these, 102 have so far been delivered. With two taken-over from Silk Way West Airlines, FedEx's current B767F-fleet is 104 aircraft strong.

Next to the B767Fs, FedEx operates/utilises a fleet of twenty ATR42s, 23 ATR72s, 65 A300Fs, eight B737-400Fs three B737-800BCFs, 119 B757Fs, 46 B777Fs, thirteen MD-10Fs and 55 MD-11Fs. The remaining MD-10Fs (all -30Fs) are planned for retirement by the end of next year.

Photo by FedEx.

Scramble

FEDEX - MD11F - N620FE

Ton Jochems - BNE

FEDEX - B737-400F - OE-IAQ

João Luis Pessoa - LPPT

FEDEX - B737-400F - OO-TNN

João Luis Pessoa - LPPT

FEDEX / ASL - B737-400F - OE-IAQ

Ton Jochems - Lisboa

Textron Aviation unveils new large-utility turboprop, the Cessna SkyCourier; FedEx Express signs as launch customer for up to 100 aircraft

WICHITA, Kan. (Nov. 28, 2017) – Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, today announced its new twin-engine, high-wing, large-utility turboprop – the Cessna SkyCourier 408. FedEx Express, the world’s largest express transportation company and longtime Textron Aviation customer, has signed on as the launch customer for up to 100 aircraft, with an initial fleet order of 50 cargo aircraft and options for 50 more. Entry into service for the clean-sheet design Cessna SkyCourier is planned for 2020.

“With our depth of expertise and proven success in new product development, we were eager to work directly with a world-class company like FedEx Express to jointly develop the Cessna SkyCourier,” said Scott Ernest, president and CEO of Textron Aviation. “The aircraft will fulfill a gap in this market segment with its superior performance and low operating costs in combination with the cabin flexibility, payload capability and efficiency only a clean-sheet design can offer.”

FedEx Express buys up to 50 new ATR 72-600F freighters

The new cargo version of the ATR 72-600 will enter into service in 2020

Toulouse, November 8, 2017 – FedEx Express, the world’s largest express transportation company, and ATR have signed a major contract for the firm purchase of 30 ATR 72-600s plus 20 options. These aircraft will be the first new ATRs to be directly delivered from the factory in a freighter configuration. This new aircraft version, designated as the ATR 72-600F, has a brand new windowless fuselage and is equipped with a forward Large Cargo Door (LCD) and a rear upper hinged cargo door.

Deliveries of the ATR 72-600Fs to FedEx Express will begin in 2020. These new ATRs are also the first ATR 72-600s that will operate in a cargo configuration, as well as being the first ones equipped with an LCD directly from the factory.
The ATR 72-600F features a class E main cabin for cargo operations, and will support both bulk cargo and Unit Load Device (ULD) configurations. The ATR 72-600F has a bulk capacity of 74.6 m3, and when in ULD mode, can accommodate up to seven LD3 containers, or five 88” x 108”, or nine 88” x 62” pallets. The aircraft is also equipped with new reinforced floor panels.

Commenting on the signing of the contract, David L. Cunningham, President and CEO of FedEx Express, declared: “ATR aircraft have been successfully operating in FedEx service for many years. We worked with ATR to develop this new aircraft, which include special features to help us grow our business, especially in the air freight market where shipments are larger and heavier. The 72-600F will play an important role in our global network by helping us deliver fast, economical service to small and medium sized markets.”

ATR’s Chief Executive Officer Christian Scherer declared: “We congratulate FedEx Express for their long-standing success and for their long term commercial views for the new ATR 72-600F. Their selection of this new aircraft is the result of a deep technical and economic analysis. ATRs in cargo configuration deliver an outstanding service, both serving small communities and feeding larger freighters. The ATR 72-600F is the only new large regional aircraft available on the market for freighter operations. We are convinced that, with its use by FedEx Express, it will become the new benchmark for regional air cargo operations”.

FEDEX / ASL AIRLINES - B737-400 - OO-TNP

João Luis Pessoa - Lisboa

FEDEX - ATR-72-200F - EI-FXJ

João Luis Pessoa - Lisboa

Shuttle Landing Facility welcomes first commercial service

FedEx Express (FX, Memphis Int'l) has become the first commercial carrier to serve the Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) located at the John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) on Merritt Island in Florida.

The logistics specialist says the arrival of one of its B757-200(F)s at the facility in December last year signified the start of a new collaboration between FedEx and the space industry.

“What we’re going through now is the privatization of space,” said Carl Asmus, FedEx Vice President of Supply Chain Solutions and Market Development. “Private companies are now taking over the exploration of space. This could drastically improve the speed of payload delivery."

FedEx is involved in the transportation of biomedical-related items from various laboratories to the launch site for onward delivery to the International Space Station (ISS). It is also involved in the redelivery of items recovered from the ISS for onward transmission back to their respective centres.

Space Florida took over the management and operations of the SLF under a thirty year lease from NASA (Washington Dulles) last year.

Built in 1974 for space shuttles returning to Kennedy, the SLF opened for flights in 1976. Among its unique features is a 4,572x92m main runway capable of supporting all types and sizes of aircraft and horizontal launch and landing vehicles.

ch aviation

FEDEX - B767-300ER/F - N297FE

Duncan Stewart - LAX