FedEx orders six A300-600s

FedEx is growing its substantial Airbus fleet with a new order for six A300-600 freighter aircraft, plus options. The newly ordered aircraft will all be delivered in 2007. FedEx has not yet announced its engine selection for the new A300-600s.

"The A300 has served us well for many years, especially from a reliability perspective" said James R. Parker, senior vice president of air operations for FedEx Express. "When you deliver more than 3.3 million Express packages each day, dependability and operational cost efficiencies become your most important considerations."

"The A300-600 is the backbone of our freighter family, and this new order reinforces its strength and relevance in today's market," said Gustav Humbert, Airbus President and Chief Executive Officer. "International freight is a key growth category for Airbus, and FedEx is a prime example of everything that is done right in that segment. When your customer flies into hundreds of airports worldwide, it’s quite a compliment that they return again and again for your aircraft."

The newly ordered planes will join an Airbus fleet at FedEx Express that is more than 100-strong. The airline currently flies a fleet of 47 A300-600 freighters plus 54 A310 Freighters. FedEx also has ordered 10 superjumbo A380s and will be the first freighter operator with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2008.

A leading aircraft manufacturer with the most modern and comprehensive product line on the market, Airbus is a global company with design and manufacturing facilities in France, Germany, the UK, and Spain as well as subsidiaries in the U.S., China and Japan.

Airbus is an EADS joint Company with BAE Systems.

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