FedEx Express orders 12 767 freighters and 12 777 freighters from Boeing

June 20, 2018: One of the largest air cargo carriers FedEx Express has placed order for 12 767 Freighters and 12 777 Freighters from aircraft manufacturer Boeing, for $6.6 billion.

The express carrier is a major operator of the Boeing 757 Freighter and the largest operator of the 767 Freighter and 777 Freighter. FedEx is also a customer of Boeing's Global Services business.

“We are taking another positive step in our fleet modernisation programme as we add more efficient, lower emission aircraft to our global fleet,” said David L Cunningham, president and CEO of FedEx Express.

A year after demand grew by nearly 10 percent, global air freight is on track to increase by another four to five percent in 2018. Air cargo carriers are adding capacity to keep up with demand, either by converting passenger airplanes into freighters or ordering new production cargo jets. With the latest order from FedEx Express, Boeing has sold more than 50 widebody freighters so far in 2018.

The 767 Freighter, based on the 767-300ER (extended range) passenger jet, can carry approximately 58 tons (52.7 tonnes) of revenue cargo with intercontinental range, making it a flexible platform for serving long-haul, regional or feeder markets.

With quieter takeoffs and landings, and usage of less fuel compared to other airplanes, 777 freighters is also the right choice. The jet can fly 4,900 nautical miles (9,070 kilometers) with a payload of 102 metric tonnes. With the 777 Freighter, FedEx has been able to connect Asia with its hub in Memphis, Tenn. non-stop and reduce transit times by up to three hours. This has enabled FedEx to accept packages later in the day and still deliver them on time.