FedEx has taken delivery of the first of 15 Boeing 777 Freighters it has on order, which it says will allow its customers to benefit from more point-to-point routings and shorter flying times.
“The 777 Freighter will have a unique role for FedEx Express, providing exceptional range that brings new efficiency to the airline and its customers,” said Kevin Schemm, vice president, North America sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The 777 Freighter will allow FedEx Express to operate point-to-point routes that save valuable flying time, coupled with outstanding fuel efficiency and environmental responsibility.”
According to Boeing the 777F, which is based on the 777-200LR, will shave between one and three hours off a direct flight from Fedex’s Memphis hub to Asia compared to the MD-11s currently used on such routes. The 777 will also be able to fly an additional 2100nm further, carry a 16.7 tonne greater payload and is expected to use 18 per cent less fuel than the trijets.
FedEx placed its order for 15 777Fs and 15 options in November 2006 after it cancelled an order for the Airbus A380 Freighter. Boeing has so far sold 71 777Fs, although the current poor state of the airfreight market has meant that some customers have been delaying delivery of their aircraft.
