FedEx Express (Memphis) today announced the safe arrival of two three-year-old giant pandas, Huan Huan and Yuan Zi, from the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in China to Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport in France.

Working in conjunction with ZooParc de Beauval, the specially-chartered Boeing 777-FS2 N892FD (msn 38707), known as the “FedEx Panda Express”, landed in Paris on January 15 at noon local time, 6 a.m. Eastern time. The arrival of these special animals marks the first time in 10 years that giant pandas will reside in France.

The nonstop flight was chartered especially for the VIPs—Very Important Pandas—and the pair travelled in custom-built enclosures provided by FedEx Express. In-flight, Huan Huan and Yuan Zi spent the journey snoozing and eating bamboo. They were accompanied by a Chinese veterinarian and animal handler as well as the managing director from ZooParc de Beauval to look after their needs throughout the journey.

During the flight, the pandas were in the safe hands of seasoned pilots Captain Paul Cassel, Captain Tom Jenkins and Captain John Hunt, who all have extensive experience in transporting some of the world’s most precious cargo, ranging from white rhinos to penguins.

The pandas continued their journey in FedEx Express vehicles to deliver them to their new home at ZooParc de Beauval. French authorities were also on hand to ensure a smooth ride. Upon arrival, the pandas will reside together in the new magnificent Chinese area in a specially-built giant panda enclosure at ZooParc de Beauval.

Copyright Photo: FedEx Express. The “FedEx Panda Express”, a specially-chartered FedEx Express Boeing 777F, prepares to depart from Chengdu Airport in China for Roissy-Charles de Gaulle Airport in France with two three-year-old giant pandas on board. The pandas, Huan Huan and Yuan Zi, will reside at ZooParc de Beauval near Paris.

FedEx Express Slide Show: CLICK HERE