FedEx Express has launched operations with fuel-efficient Boeing 757swith the start of a new service between its Memphis hub and Ronald Reagan Washington NationalAirport (DCA). It plans to put 11 B757 freighters into service over the coming year.
The eight times a week flight connection into DCA also serves a newairport for FedEx, further extending the reliability, connectivity and quality of its servicethroughout the mid-Atlantic region, the express operator said.
“The introduction of the 757 freighter to our fleet of aircraft, one ofthe largest in the world, is a significant milestone for FedEx,” said David J. Bronczek, presidentand chief executive officer of FedEx Express. “This new service immediately expands our reach andcapacity in the mid-Atlantic region and enhances the access our customers have in the globalmarketplace.”
In addition to customer benefits, the implementation of Boeing 757contributes to the company’s eco-friendly policy with significantly improved fuel-burnefficiencies, cutting greenhouse gas emissions and reducing fuel consumption up to 36%. At the sametime, the aircraft provides 20% more capacity per flight, when compared to the Boeing 727 itreplaces.
Besides its improved fuel efficiency, the Boeing 757 is known forreduced noise levels and will be phased in over time as the less fuel-efficient Boeing 727 aircraftare retired from service. FedEx Express plans to introduce additional 11 Boeing 757s into serviceover the next year.
“Investment in the Boeing 757 aircraft is a key component in our planfor a reduced carbon footprint,” said Jim Parker, senior vice president of Air Operations for FedExExpress. “Our plans to replace the Boeing 727 aircraft with more efficient Boeing 757s allow us toaggressively upgrade our fleet while reducing our overall, long-term energy investment.”
FedEx Express is making continuous efforts to reduce energy consumptionand greenhouse gas emissions. In 2009, it plans to introduce the Boeing 777 to its fleet. Thisfreighter provides greater payload capacity while using 18% less fuel than planes in the company’scurrent international fleet.
In addition, FedEx Express employees are increasing fuel efficiency andreducing fuel emissions during operations with more than 30 initiatives that range fromimprovements in flight planning to aircraft operation efficiencies. Moreover, FedEx has convertedground support equipment at its airports from internal combustion engine models to electric unitssaving nine million gallons of fuel annually.
