Aviation policy perspectives
Our perspectives & policies on aviation
FedEx is the world’s largest full-service, all-cargo airline. FedEx serves every ZIP code in the U.S. and more than 220 countries and territories. Our global network provides time-sensitive, air-ground express service through 650 airports worldwide. We are members of Airlines for America, Cargo Airlines Association and U.S. Airlines for Open Skies.
Runways to the future
Aviation is a force for good and a source of opportunity. It builds a more connected world, and a connected world is a better one. FedEx is proud to be a part of the evolving field of aviation through initiating a new, industry-leading pilot development program to ensure a full pipeline of pilots for us and the industry at large.
Air traffic control modernization
The U.S. must invest in and modernize the infrastructure that supports our growing aviation industry. Despite continued growth in passenger and air cargo traffic, the U.S. operates an air traffic management system that was developed and deployed in the 1950s and remains largely unchanged 70 years later.
The aviation industry has spent hundreds of millions of dollars on NextGen technologies - equipping aircraft, retrofitting fleets and training team members on these systems. The U.S. must modernize and update its air traffic control systems and airspace management to complement the private sector’s investments and take full advantage of the safety, efficiency and sustainability benefits that next generation air traffic control systems will provide.
Open skies
FedEx is a longstanding, consistent advocate for U.S. free trade policy and U.S. Open Skies policy. We are the world’s leader in providing a global network of connectivity for U.S. businesses, as well as the global e-commerce marketplace. We believe continued open access to international airports is fundamental to the economic growth of our customers and our company.
News and updates
FedEx has contracted with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide expedited shipping of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other supplies critical to COVID-19 relief efforts. FedEx Express aircraft are being used to transport critical PPE supplies from manufacturers around the world to the United States. The operation aims to accelerate delivery of PPE and other medical supplies, moving them via air instead of ocean.
In his keynote address to the American Bar Association Air & Space Law Forum held in Chicago, Frederick W. Smith, Chairman and CEO, FedEx Corporation, spoke about the importance of deregulation and Open Skies agreements in creating a more accessible world. FedEx is a longstanding, strong advocate for U.S. free trade policy and U.S. Open Skies agreements.
David J. Bronczek, president and COO of FedEx Corp., joined the U.S. Airlines for Open Skies Coalition today in applauding the announcement by the U.S. State Department that the United States and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will uphold the Open Skies agreement between the two countries.
“FedEx strongly supports keeping America’s skies open for all business, and we commend the Trump Administration for upholding the Open Skies agreement between the U.S. and the UAE,” Bronczek said. “Today’s announcement ensures carriers from both countries can continue to make their own decisions about their operations, including Fifth Freedom routes, as the ability to implement new flights is vital to the future of aviation. We appreciate the State Department prioritizing consumer choice and economic growth by honoring this commitment.”
The U.S.-UAE resolution, as well as the resolution reached earlier this year between the U.S. and Qatar, does not in any way affect the rights enjoyed by U.S., UAE and Qatar airlines under the respective Open Skies agreements. This includes the right to provide service between the parties with intermediate stops, known as Fifth Freedom service.
Today, FedEx Corporation President and COO David J. Bronczek participated in a White House announcement to stress the need for innovation and modernization of U.S. air traffic control systems. FedEx supports proposals to move our nation’s day-to-day air traffic control with a system for funding that accurately reflects usage. Reform would lead to more efficient flight paths, enhanced safety, reduced noise and emissions, fewer delays, and a less labor-intensive working environment for pilots and controllers alike.
“An air traffic control system that leverages modern technology and infrastructure will allow more flights to operate safely in the congested air space and help alleviate crowded airports around the United States,” said Bronczek. “It’s time to be bold and aggressive. FedEx will continue to advocate for a modern, safe air traffic control system to increase capacity in the skies and on the ground.”
FedEx Express Canada, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. and Innomar Strategies, announced that the country’s first operations to distribute the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine in Canada on behalf of the Government of Canada are underway. Part of this initial shipment will continue onwards to the territories to facilitate vaccine distribution in Canada’s northern regions. The vaccine roll-out will be facilitated by the vast FedEx Express Canada network, utilizing the specialized, cold-chain storage and packaging capabilities of Innomar Strategies, a part of AmerisourceBergen and a leading patient support provider in the Canadian specialty pharmaceutical market.
As part of ongoing fleet modernization plans, FedEx Express announced the delivery of the first ATR 72-600F aircraft to its feeder aircraft network.
The 59.5-acre site includes a 251,000-square-foot, two-story facility with an automated sort of up to 12,000 packages per hour, including more than 2,700 non-conveyable shipments. The facility will staff 490 team members and includes nine wide-body aircraft gates, 14 feeder aircraft gates and 18 truck docks.
FedEx Corp. is committing transportation and logistics support to humanitarian relief agencies as they respond to the coronavirus outbreak. As part of these efforts, FedEx Express will ship today more than 200,000 surgical masks and personal protective equipment such as gowns and gloves to its Asia Pacific Hub in Guangzhou, China to assist the humanitarian work of Direct Relief. FedEx is working closely with China Post which will deliver the aid from Guangzhou to Wuhan Union Hospital.
FedEx Express officially inaugurated its new state-of-the-art San Juan Airport ramp operation located at the Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport (SJU) in Carolina, Puerto Rico. The opening of the new facility is part of the company’s plan to increase its operational efficiency and meet its growing customer demands.
FedEx Express created the FedEx Purple Runway Aviation Scholarship program and is collaborating with six universities and technical schools from around the country that provide valuable education and training for aspiring pilots, aircraft maintenance technicians and other aviation professionals.
In his keynote address to the American Bar Association Air & Space Law Forum held in Chicago, Frederick W. Smith, Chairman and CEO, FedEx Corporation, spoke about the importance of deregulation and Open Skies agreements in creating a more accessible world. FedEx is a longstanding, strong advocate for U.S. free trade policy and U.S. Open Skies agreements.
FedEx joined the U.S. Airlines for Open Skies Coalition in applauding the announcement by the U.S. State Department that the United States and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will uphold the Open Skies agreement between the two countries.
Meet the Boeing 777F Ecodemonstrator
This 777F performs tests to improve environmental performance and safety of future airplanes.
Why Memphis?
Have you ever wondered why your package travels through Memphis?
Inside the Indianapolis Hub
Get a sneak-peek look inside the FedEx Express Indianapolis Hub.
Operation Fly formula
When a shortage of infant formula impacted families across the U.S., FedEx worked with the U.S. administration and agencies to transport three charter flights of formula from Europe to the U.S.