Tag Archives: 42706

FedEx gets ready to put its first Boeing 767-300 freighter into revenue service

FedEx Express (Memphis), an operating company of FedEx Corporation (Memphis), yesterday introduced its new Boeing 767-300 cargo jet scheduled to begin service this fall. The aircraft is the first of several new 767-300 freighters being added to the FedEx fleet, and represents a major step in the company’s strategically important aircraft fleet modernization program. The 767-300 joins 777s and 757s in the company’s growing fleet of more efficient, lower-emission freighters.

The aircraft was center stage at an event attended by FedEx team members and special guests at the company’s World Hub in Memphis.

The initial 767 was delivered to FedEx from Boeing last month and is undergoing the certification process required to begin service. It is among 50 767s FedEx has ordered, which are scheduled to be delivered through the end of the company’s fiscal year 2019.

With a maximum gross payload capacity of 127,100 pounds, the medium wide-body 767 Freighter has a flight range of 2,922 nautical miles (3,362 statute miles).

The 767 brings FedEx an array of double-digit efficiencies. The freighter is approximately 30 percent more fuel efficient and has unit operating costs that are more than 20 percent lower than the MD10 aircraft it will replace. The ability to share parts, tooling and flight simulators with FedEx 757 freighters is another efficiency of the 767.

Across its aircraft fleet, FedEx projects a 30 percent reduction in its unit carbon emissions by the year 2020. In addition, the company has reaffirmed its commitment to sourcing at least 30 percent of its jet fuel from alternative fuels by the year 2030.

With the 767 freighter, FedEx is also introducing a new “efficient container” or Unit Load Device used to hold individual packages on the aircraft. The FedEx Efficient Container is lighter and its construction includes more recycled materials.

Under its aircraft fleet modernization program, FedEx began upgrading its fleet in 2007 with the addition of 757 freighters to replace 727s. The final 727 in the FedEx fleet was retired in June.

In 2009, the company introduced the 777, the world’s largest twin-engine cargo freighter with a non-stop flight range of 5,800 nautical miles (6,675 statute miles) and a cargo capacity of 178,000 pounds in typical FedEx service.

Copyright Photo: Duncan Kirk/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 767-3S2F ER N101FE (msn 42706) taxies at Paine Field near Everett. N101FE was delivered to FedEx on September 4, 2013.

FedEx:

FedEx Express takes delivery of its first Boeing 767-300F freighter

Boeing (Chicago) and FedEx Express (Memphis), an operating company of FedEx Corp. (Memphis), yesterday (September 4) celebrated the delivery of the company’s first 767-300 freighter. The delivery supports the FedEx strategy to modernize its fleet with more efficient freighters.

The 767 Freighter is an ideal upgrade for the fleet serving the FedEx Express domestic network, providing improved fuel, maintenance and cost savings over the MD-10 freighters it will replace. FedEx Express gains additional efficiency through the ability to share parts, tooling and flight simulators between the 767 and the more than 70 757 freighters already in its fleet.

The 767 freighter is based on the popular 767-300 ER (extended range) passenger airplane. Able to carry approximately 58 tons (52.7 tons) of revenue cargo with intercontinental range, the 767 Freighter is ideal for developing new long-haul, regional or feeder markets.

The airplane joins other Boeing freighters in the FedEx fleet such as the MD-10, MD-11, 757 and the 777.

Copyright Photo: Nick Dean/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 767-3S2F N101FE (msn 42706) is pictured at Paine Field near Everett, WA on a test flight prior to the official hand over.

FedEx Express:

FedEx Pilots’ Union: Report on UPS Boeing 747 crash highlights the need for new regulations on the carriage of Lithium Batteries

The FedEx Express Pilots Union (FedEx Express) (Memphis) has issued this statement reference the release of the Accident Report on the UPS Airlines (Atlanta and Louisville) Boeing 747-400F freighter crash at Dubai (please see our previous report). At the heart of the issue, are lithium batteries safe on any airplane?:

On September 3, 2010, our industry lost two fellow aviators when UPS Flight 6 crashed near Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) released its final report concerning the investigation into this fatal crash. The GCAA, while not pinpointing the origin of the fateful blaze, determined that the ensuing fire was promulgated by lithium batteries and found that smoke-detection equipment took too long to alert the crew.

The report provides recommendations specific to air cargo fire safety. The FedEx Master Executive Council (MEC) joins Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), Int’l in praising the GCAA for its thorough report. The report makes unmistakably clear the dangers of carrying large quantities of lithium batteries. “As cargo pilots, we are fully aware of the potential dangers associated with the carriage of lithium batteries,” said MEC chairman Captain Scott Stratton. “These pilots’ lives were tragically cut short as they valiantly tried to bring their crippled aircraft back to the ground. Through their actions, they were able to prevent a much larger disaster from occurring. We owe it to them as well as to all of those who fly this nation’s commerce every day, to ensure that regulatory directives are harmonized across the globe and robust enough to preclude future events such as this.”

The GCAA recommended that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and its European counterpart develop better firefighting standards and equipment for cargo planes, with visual warnings about where a fire is located. The FedEx MEC strongly believes that the United States must take a leadership role in protecting aircraft against the possibility of catastrophic fires caused by lithium batteries. The improvement in regulations covering the transportation of large quantities of lithium batteries must proceed immediately in order to begin to eliminate this deadly hazard. “Now is the time for the U.S. government to act to ensure the safety of our skies,” said FedEx Legislative Affairs chairman Captain Fred Eissler. “We will continue to work with our government leaders, dangerous goods regulatory authorities, and our fellow airline pilots to address the safety issues and concerns found in the GCAA report.”

“The FedEx pilots are committed to working with industry and government leaders to minimize the risks associated with the carriage of dangerous goods,” continued Captain Stratton. “The GCAA’s report adds to the building body of evidence that clearly shows much more effort is needed to facilitate negating the risks associated with the carriage of lithium batteries.”

Copyright Photo: Duncan Kirk/AirlinersGallery.com. The first Boeing 767-300F for FedEx Express is being prepared for its first flight at Paine Field near Everett, WA. 767-3S2F N101FE (msn 42706) taxied to the runway yesterday afternoon.

FedEx Express: