FedEx Increases Frequency of International Cargo Flight Connecting Qingdao to U.S.

Mr. Zhang Xinzhu, Member of the Standing Committee of Qingdao Municipal Committee and Secretary of Jiaozhou Municipality (seventh left), Kawal Preet, president of Asia Pacific, FedEx (sixth left) and Poh-Yian Koh, senior vice president of FedEx and president of FedEx China (forth left) initiated the FedEx Qingdao-U.S. flight expansion launch ceremony, together with representatives from the General Office of Qingdao Municipal Government, Qingdao International Airport Group, Airport Customs, Taxation Administration, Administration for Market Regulation of Shandong Provincial Postal Administration, Air Traffic Control, Regulatory Bureau, Airport Public Security Authorities and Border Inspection Authorities.

Qingdao, China, November 11, 2024 - Federal Express Corporation (FedEx), one of the world's largest express transportation companies, today announced the increased frequency of an international cargo flight from Qingdao, China to the U.S., alongside the inauguration of its Qingdao international gateway facility. This initiative will enhance FedEx network in China and empower local businesses to capitalize on global trade opportunities through more efficient, flexible, and intelligent logistics services and solutions.

The flight departs from Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport, making a stop in Osaka, Japan, before arriving in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. Trial operations commenced in May 2024 with a once-weekly service, which has now expanded to five flights per week from Monday to Friday. Utilizing a B777 freighter, increasing the flight frequency improves the transit time of outbound parcels and freight shipments from Qingdao and Shandong Province to North America by one day. This allows for selected shipments to the U.S. to achieve next-day delivery.

By integrating the flight with its existing ground network in Shandong, FedEx now offers Same Day Service for outbound customers in select areas, including Qingdao, Yantai, Weihai, Jinan, Zibo, and Weifang. This gives customers the flexibility to arrange their shipments more conveniently and expand their global reach through FedEx's efficient services.

Meanwhile, FedEx has officially inaugurated its Qingdao international gateway, the company's fifth gateway facility in China, joining those in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen. Located at Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport, the new facility covers approximately 2,000 square meters and is equipped with a fully automated sorting system. This significantly enhances FedEx's sorting capability and efficiency for local inbound and outbound shipments, providing customers in Shandong Province with a fast and seamless shipping and customs clearance experience.

A water salute ceremony was held at Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport to welcome FedEx B777 freighter that is utilized for the Qingdao to U.S. flight on November 11, 2024.

"Since entering the Chinese market in 1984, FedEx has been committed to growing with China. The flight and gateway in Qingdao will further differentiate FedEx and drive greater value for Chinese customers benefitting from our one-stop-shop approach for reliable global delivery of parcel and freight and smart digital solutions," said Poh-Yian Koh, Senior Vice President of FedEx and President of FedEx China. "FedEx is confident in China's economy and development. By expanding our network to more second- and third-tier cities in China and investing in new facilities, we are enabling Chinese customers to connect with global opportunities, helping them to expand their businesses globally and enhance their competitiveness in both regional and international markets."

Qingdao serves as a major hub for import and export trade in Shandong Province and is a key strategic city for FedEx's development in China. In the first 10 months of 2024, the city's total imports and exports reached RMB 754.72 billion, an increase of 3% year-on-year, ranking first in the province^[1].Cargo and mail throughput at Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport totaled nearly 206,700 tons in the first nine months of this year, up 10.5% year-on-year^[2]. By enhancing international air cargo resources in Qingdao and Shandong Province-strengthening connectivity and transit between the region and major airports worldwide-the expanded flight frequency and new gateway facility will support robust growth in local foreign trade and the economy, aligning with Qingdao's vision of becoming a competitive, comprehensive international transport hub during the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan period^[3].

This year marks the 40th anniversary of FedEx operations in China. Over the past 40 years, FedEx has consistently invested strategically to enhance its infrastructure and network connectivity underpinned by big data, AI and other digital technologies to benefit Chinese customers. With nearly 11,000 employees and nearly 3,000 vehicles, FedEx has established five gateways in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Qingdao, operating over 300 flights weekly in and out of China.

[1]http://shenyang.customs.gov.cn/qingdao_customs/406496/406497/6197592/index.html
[2]http://hd.caac.gov.cn/HD_XXGK/HD_TJSJ/202410/P020241021514050409193.pdf
[3]http://www.qingdao.gov.cn/ywdt/zwyw/202205/t20220519_6060942.shtml