Donation is first of its kind outside northern America
Dubai, UAE - 27 June 2007 - FedEx Express, the world's largest express transportation company, announced that it has donated a retired Boeing 727 from its fleet to the Air and Space Museum located at Le Bourget Airport in Paris, France. The donation took place during the 47th International Paris Air Show, of which FedEx was a major sponsor.
Before its final flight to Paris, the 727-100F provided FedEx with more than 18 years of service, transporting packages to destinations around the world. The aircraft was manufactured in January 1966, and acquired by FedEx in June 1989.
Traditionally, all FedEx aircraft are named after the children of FedEx employees. This aircraft is named "Bud", after the son of Timothy and Aimee McDaniel from Savannah, Georgia.
"Bud" will start a second life in the heart of the Air and Space Museum of Le Bourget, where it will be used as a permanent exhibition of the history of express transport, which will open in 2008.
The donation to Le Bourget marks the completion of the FedEx retirement program for its 727-100F fleet. A total of 35 of these aircraft have been donated to a variety of aviation technical schools, museums and other institutions to help educate and train the next generation of aviation professionals. This is the first aircraft donation for FedEx outside northern America.
"FedEx is proud to be able to make the first donation of its kind outside northern America. The Air and Space Museum is an ideal partner as one of its first missions is to inform a wide audience about the history and culture of the aeronautics sector. I believe this initiative will help students -- who are the future of our aeronautics industry -- learn and develop," said Robert W. Elliott, president, FedEx Express, Europe, Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa.
In France, FedEx employs about 2,600 employees, 1,800 of which are located at the FedEx hub at Roissy Charles de Gaulle.
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About FedEx Express
FedEx Express is the world's largest express transportation company, providing fast and reliable delivery to more than 220 countries and territories. FedEx Express uses a global air-and-ground network to speed delivery of time-sensitive shipments, usually in one to two business days with the delivery time backed by a money-back guarantee.
FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenues of $35 billion, the company offers integrated business applications through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world's most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 275,000 employees and contractors to remain "absolutely, positively" focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. For more information, visit fedex.com.
© Press Release 2007
