EVERETT, Wash., Sept. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) and FedEx Express today celebrated the delivery of the world’s largest air cargo carrier’s first 777 Freighter. The world’s largest and most capable twinjet freighter will help FedEx Express deliver more cargo even faster, allowing the carrier to offer customers greater flexibility.

This is Boeing’s ninth 777 Freighter delivery and marks the first 777 Freighter to enter service with a U.S.-based global freight carrier.

“The 777F is a game changer,” said Michael L. Ducker, president, International, FedEx Express. “Its operational efficiencies and environmental benefits alone are impressive, but combine those advantages with the service improvements it delivers and FedEx Express will be able to take international shipping to another level. Our customers around the world will benefit from more point-to-point routes and the shorter flight times, increasing their competitiveness in the global marketplace.”

With the 777 Freighter, transit times from points in Asia to the FedEx hub in Memphis, Tenn., for example, will drop by one to three hours compared with the MD-11 Freighter. This will allow FedEx to accept packages from its customers later in the day and still deliver them on time.

“The 777 Freighter will have a unique role for FedEx Express, providing exceptional range that brings new efficiency to the airline and its customers,” said Kevin Schemm, vice president, North America Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The 777 Freighter will allow FedEx Express to operate point-to-point routes that save valuable flying time, coupled with outstanding fuel efficiency and environmental responsibility.”

In the FedEx Express operation, the 777 Freighter can fly 5,800 nautical miles (6,675 statute miles, 10,740 km), an increase of 2,100 nautical miles (2,410 statute miles, 3,890 km) versus the airline’s MD-11 Freighter fleet. The FedEx 777 Freighter has a revenue payload capacity of 215,000 pounds (97.5 metric tons), a 37,000-pound (16.7-metric-ton) increase over the MD-11 Freighter.

The 777 Freighter uses 18 percent less fuel than the MD-11 Freighter on comparable FedEx Express routes, reduces maintenance cost and provides quieter takeoffs and landings that meet airport noise standards.

Some 58 customers have ordered more than 1,100 777s, including 71 777 Freighters.

Source and Photo: Boeing