The Boeing 777 Freighter is the world’s largest twin-engine cargo aircraft with a range of more than 6,100 nautical miles and a revenue payload capacity of 171,000 pounds. This represents a 2,200 nautical mile increase in range and an additional 8,500 pounds of revenue payload over the MD-11F, which is FedEx’s primary long-haul. Boeing 777-F with registration N846FD airframe details and operator history including first flight and delivery dates, seat configurations, engines, fleet numbers and names. The outgoing 777 Freighter went from Boeing to Etihad in 2011. Prior to FedEx’s acquisition, Etihad was the aircraft’s only operator. Photo: Oliver Holzbauer via Wikimedia Commons Departing Etihad. Prior to moving over to FedEx, the Boeing 777 Freighter joined five other 777Fs comprising Etihad’s Cargo division. Boeing 777: Going farther, faster Major world markets are suddenly closer — now that FedEx Express flies direct via a fleet of Boeing 777 Freighters. The air freighter’s extra-long flight range means greater access to your global trade partners, reducing transit times by as much as a full day.

• Fedex Boeing 777 Cockpit
• Fedex Boeing 777-200
• Boeing 777x Fedex

FedEx Express Launches the Second Route Using the New Boeing 777 Freighter to Meet Growing Demand in Southern China

SHENZHEN, Nov. 2, 2010— Today, after launching the first new Boeing 777F (777F) in Shanghai in January this year, FedEx launched the second 777F route in Shenzhen, with four flights weekly from Tuesday through Friday. The new route meets the growing demand for capacity between Southern China and the United States.

“The launch of the 777F in Shenzhen supports our efforts to deliver convenient, efficient and high-quality service to our customers in southern China,” said Wilson Chung, vice president of FedEx Express International Priority Operations, FedEx China. “We now offer a direct flight from Shenzhen to our super hub in Memphis, TN USA. Flying direct to the super hub, puts our customers packages into the US network that much faster and helps promote international trade in Southern China.”

Because of its expanding international trade, Shenzhen has long been a FedEx gateway city for Southern China. According to the Shenzhen Customs District, the People’s Republic of China, Shenzhen’s total import and export volume in September was USD 33.63 billion, the highest on the record, indicating a year-on-year increase of 29.7% for September, which was 5% higher than the increased rate of the China’s total import and export volume during the same period. Guangdong province’s import and export volume is also increasing steadily. According to the statistics on the website of the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, Guangdong’s total import and export volume in September was USD 73.9 billion, indicating a year-on-year increase of 22% for September, which again broke the province’s highest record.

FedEx continuously provides unparalleled connectivity and delivery services to China customers. The launch of the second 777F route in China demonstrates the company’s unweaving commitment to China customers. Because of the larger cargo capacity, FedEx strategically placed the second 777F in Shenzhen to serve the booming southern China market and offer practical solutions for the increasing shipping needs.

FedEx continuously advances the express logistics industry, by investing and using new technology for creativity and sustainable development. As part of its commitment to environmental sustainability, FedEx is expanding its fleet of 777F aircraft because of its fuel-efficiency and lower carbon emissions.

FedEx Express is the first U.S.-based, global, all-cargo freight airline to add the 777F to its fleet. By November 2010, FedEx Express had eight 777Fs serving routes between Asia and the U.S. There will be 25 777Fs in the company’s fleet by the end of fiscal 2018, 11 of which have already been delivered. FedEx Express holds an option on 15 more 777F.

777F Background

The 777F is the world’s largest twin-engine cargo aircraft. In typical FedEx operations, the 777 Freighter has a revenue payload capacity of 178,000 pounds (81 metric tons), and can fly 5,800 nautical miles, the equivalent of about 6,675 land miles or nearly three times the approximate distance between the east and west coasts of the U.S. This represents a payload improvement of 14,000 pounds and range improvement of 2,100 nautical miles over similarly arranged MD-11Fs, which until now has been the primary long-haul aircraft in the company’s fleet. Over shorter ranges, the 777F has the capability of payloads up to 215,000 pounds.

About FedEx Corp.

FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenues of $36 billion, the company offers integrated business applications through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world’s most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 285,000 team members to remain 'absolutely, positively' focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities.

About FedEx Express

FedEx Express is one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, providing fast and reliable delivery to every U.S. address and to more than 220 countries and territories.FedEx Express uses a global air-and-ground network to speed delivery of time-sensitive shipments, by a definite time and date with a money-back guarantee.

NOTE TO EDITORS: FedEx Express press releases are available on the World Wide Web at http://news.fedex.com.

The 2018 ecoDemonstrator flies over eastern Washington on its first Boeing check flight.

Fedex Boeing 777 Cockpit

To most, it looked like a normal delivery to FedEx Express recently when Boeing Commercial Airplanes handed over the keys to a 777 Freighter. Yet, the special decals attached to the fuselage indicated it will be the next ecoDemonstrator, the fifth iteration of the flight test program.

It will be the first time a 777 is used for the ecoDemonstrator flying testbed, having used a 737, 787, 757 and Embraer airplane in previous years. To date, the ecoDemonstrator program has tested more than 80 technologies using four airplanes as flying test beds.

In 2018, Boeing and FedEx plan to work together to test more than 35 technologies aboard the FedEx-owned 777 Freighter, including flight deck enhancements, compact thrust reverser and advanced materials.

Before testing innovations that could enhance flight safety and efficiency, the airplane will first go into revenue service in the FedEx fleet through the end of the year, flying international routes. The freighter will be returned to Boeing in January, when it will serve as the ecoDemonstrator testbed through May.

“Boeing’s ecoDemonstrator program plays an important role in the company’s innovation and environmental strategy,” said Mike Sinnett, Commercial Airplanes vice president of Product Strategy and Future Airplane Development. “By using flight testing to accelerate new technologies, we can move development along, off the critical path.”

Some of the technology, with the goal of reducing emissions and noise, also can improve airlines’ gate-to-gate efficiency and other operational goals. Proven ecoDemonstrator technologies and processes might be incorporated into existing production models, made available for in-service fleets or applied to new airplane development programs.

Fedex Boeing 777-200

After testing is completed, the airplane will be returned to FedEx in original condition so the carrier can return the airplane to service in its fleet.

Boeing 777x Fedex

By Bret Jensen