"The A380 will play a significant role in the ongoing efforts to expand our networks and broaden our range of services," said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of FedEx Corporation Frederick W. Smith.
"With its ability to provide greater network capacity with lower direct operating costs, the A380 will facilitate even more global trade, and the ultimate beneficiaries will be our customers, and future customers, around the world," he explained.
Delivery of the first A380 cargo plane will be followed by two more by the end of 2008, three more in 2009, three in 2010 and the 10th in 2011. FedEx also holds options for 13 additional aircraft, the statement revealed.
"Manufacturers and suppliers already know that FedEx has the best network to help them benefit from the growing global economy. The addition of the A380 freighter further strengthens our capabilities to connect the world's supply chain to the global marketplace," Smith said.
During the first year of operation, the three FedEx planes will operate on long-range routes between Fed Lx hubs in Asia and North America. Additional routes from Europe to North America and Europe to Asia will be added as more aircraft are added to the fleet in coming years.
The A380 is capable of flying more than 330,000 lbs. (150 metric tons) within 40,000 cubic feet (1,100 cubic meters) and provides significantly lower direct operating costs than today's largest flying aircraft.
The A380 Freighter, which has a range of about 6,000 nautical miles (11,100 kilometres), will have tonne/mile costs that are expected to be approximately 15 to 20 percent lower than the MD-11-the company's largest aircraft About FedEx, the statement said.
The press release said FedEx Corp provides customers and businesses world-wide with the broadest portfolio of transportation, commerce and business services. With annual revenues of 27 billion dollar, the company offers integrated business applications through operating companies competing collectively and manage collaboratively, under the respected FedEx and Kinko's brands.
They consistently ranked among the world's most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 250,000 employees and contractors to remain "absolutely, positively" focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities.-PR