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2003 Press Releases
The world's largest express transportation company will airlift two giant pandas from Beijing, China to Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.A.
Memphis, Tenn. (March 17, 2003) - FedEx Express (NYSE: FDX) is donating the use of its extensive global transportation network to ship two giant pandas from Beijing, China to the Memphis Zoo in Memphis, Tennessee on April 7, 2003. Le Le, a four-year-old male panda, and Ya Ya, a two-year-old female panda, will travel onboard a custom-decaled FedEx Express MD-11 jet, known as "The FedEx ® PandaExpress," during the trans-Pacific journey. The pandas are part of an education and conservation program between China and the United States.
"The FedEx global network, our unparalleled service to and from Asia and our experience in shipping delicate cargo, make us the perfect match for this special delivery," said David J. Bronczek, president and CEO, FedEx Express. "We are honored to be the trusted carrier of the pandas and proud to continue our commitment to animal conservation and education efforts."
FedEx Express will provide the necessary air transportation, ground transportation and logistical support to move the animals, which are currently quarantined at the Beijing Zoo and Shanghai Zoo in preparation for their trip. FedEx Express and the Memphis Zoo have worked together over the last five months to ensure all necessary precautions have been taken to provide a safe and comfortable flight for the pandas. Veterinarians from the Memphis Zoo, as well as the Beijing and Shanghai Zoos, have been granted special flight privileges so they can accompany the pandas onboard the plane. Le Le and Ya Ya, the only shipment aboard the FedEx Express MD-11, will be housed in two custom-built transport containers during their 15-hour flight.
"The FedEx PandaExpress" will depart Beijing on April 7, 2003, fly eastward, cross the International Date Line, and make its first U.S. stop at the FedEx Express hub in Anchorage, Alaska where it will refuel and change crews before continuing on to Memphis. In Anchorage, FedEx Express will use its customs clearance expertise to expedite the shipment through U.S. Customs. Due to security regulations, the panda shipment departures and arrivals at the various airports will be closed to the general public. Exact departure and arrival times are not published.
Panda Web Site to Track Pandas During Journey
FedEx has launched a new Web site dedicated to the panda shipment, located at www.fedex.com/pandas, "Absolutely, Positively ... PANDAS" will provide the ability to track the pandas during the April 7 transport. The site also contains information about FedEx operations in China, unusual FedEx shipments, as well as a link to the Memphis Zoo’s web site.
FedEx Provides Unparalleled Service to China
When FedEx Express entered the Chinese marketplace in 1984, it began putting in place the critical elements needed to provide consistent express freight and document transport. FedEx now serves 213 cities in China, and plans to continue expanding service during the next five years. Working with its operators, FedEx provides reliable pickup and delivery services, rapid customs clearance, and international transportation using its own aircraft to link China to the company's extensive regional and global networks. With 11 flights per week through three major gateways: Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, FedEx provides Chinese companies with fast and reliable access via its AsiaOne network to cities throughout Asia, and to the rest of the world.
FedEx Express currently serves more than 30 countries and territories in the Asia Pacific market and employs more than 7,200 people throughout Asia, and provides the most extensive trans-Pacific airlift of any major company. Operating its own wide-bodied MD-11, DC-10 and A310 aircraft, FedEx offers over 260 flights per week to Bangkok, Beijing, Cebu, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kaohsiung, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Osaka, Penang, Seoul, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Singapore, Subic Bay, Sydney, Taipei and Tokyo, as well as to destinations in the U.S. and Europe.
FedEx Express Transports Many Unusual Shipments
FedEx Express has a long history of transporting rare and delicate cargo. FedEx has shipped many unusual animals, including two giant pandas Washington D.C.'s National Zoo in December 2000, polar bears, white tigers, elephants, rhinoceros, lions, gorillas, eagles and even a 13-foot tiger shark used in filming the movie "Jaws."
Other unusual international cargo transported by FedEx includes a yacht for the U.S. sailing team for the 2000 Paralympic Games, a windmill from Denmark, an 11,000-pound helicopter, a five-ton communications satellite and tour equipment for The Rolling Stones.
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