FedEx launches new Boeing 777F aircraft at London Stansted

FedEx Express unveiled a new Boeing 777F aircraft at its Stansted facility yesterday. The new freighter will operate on the Stansted – Memphis (US) route.

This is the first B777 scheduled cargo operation at London Stansted.

The launch was attended by Nick Barton, managing director of London Stansted Airport and hosted by David Binks, senior vice president, Operations, FedEx Express Europe.    

The arrival of the new freighter is part of FedEx’s ongoing fleet upgrade, and is in line with the commitment to the environment and efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.

The new 777F produces 18% fewer emissions and uses 18% less fuel on a capacity basis than the MD-11 used previously on the Stansted – Memphis route.  It also has a greater payload – 6.8 tonnes more than the MD-11.

FedEx Express took delivery of its first B777F in September 2009, and has since received another eleven, including two B777Fs launched at the FedEx Express European hub at Charles De Gaulle airport last year, linking Paris with Memphis and Paris with Hong Kong.

There are 33 more B777Fs on order, for a total of 45.

Nick Barton, managing director of London Stansted Airport, commented that the new B777F boosts freight capacity for the airport, which has obtained Code F status for the next generation aircraft to operate on its runway and is the only major London Airport with capacity for growth.