Three giant pandas arrive in China on FedEx Panda Express
FedEx had the privilege of transporting 15 different pandas on 10 separate flights over the past two decades
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 travelled via a FedEx Express Boeing 777F dubbed the FedEx Panda Express.
FedEx has long worked with the Chinese government and zoos around the world to safely ship giant pandas to and from China. "On their journey to China, the pandas were accompanied by animal care experts from the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, and travelled 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 favourite treats, including sugar cane, apples, and pears."
Richard Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer, Airline and International, FedEx says: “We are deeply honoured 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. 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.”
Including this move, FedEx 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 previous deliveries of giant pandas to and from China include:
2013: from China to Canada
2012: from China to France
2011: from China to Scotland
2003: from China to USA
