Facility strengthens connectivity with FedEx's worldwide network
Manama, Bahrain - 2 December 2004 - A brand new FedEx facility, purpose built to further expand and enhance customer service and Bahrain's connectivity with the FedEx worldwide network has been officially opened at Bahrain International Airport by Captain Abdulrahman Al Gaoud, Undersecretary for Civil Aviation Affairs, Ministry of Transport.
The inauguration of this facility is the latest in a series of initiatives undertaken by FedEx Express, the world's largest express transportation company, in response to the increasingly sophisticated requirements of markets across the Middle East. Air cargo in the Middle East region as a whole is estimated to have grown by 10% during 2003, and with economic growth for the region expected to average at 4.5 - 5% through 2006, this trend looks likely to continue.[1]
The new FedEx facility is located in the Global Logistical Services Compound next to the airport and brings together under one roof all sorting and clearing of cargo and packages. Processing controls have already strengthened as a result and service to customers has been enhanced with on-site customs clearance operational 24 hours a day.
In addition to enhancing customer service in Bahrain, the new facility also enables Bahrain to function as a gateway to neighbouring countries for FedEx. A network of feeder and commercial aircraft, as well as a trucking operation provides reliable, on-time transportation and in addition, FedEx has introduced a dedicated F27 aircraft connecting Dubai and Bahrain five days a week.
Hamdi Osman, Regional Vice President, FedEx Express Middle East, Indian Sub-Continent and Africa, said: "This new facility is a major step forward for FedEx's service in the region. Our customers are already seeing the benefits of the enhancements and we believe that they will enable us to further build our service in the rapidly developing express transportation market in the Gulf and the Middle East as a whole.
"Our investment in the facility is a demonstration of our commitment to Bahrain and the region and also of our confidence in its economic development. We are delighted with the co-operation we have had from the Government of Bahrain in turning our plans into a reality."
Currentl;y the majority of FedEx employees in Bahrain are Bahraini nationals and the opening of the new facility creates further opportunities. This is a further example of FedEx's commitment to Bahrain.
-Ends-
Notes to Editors
About the new Bahrain Facility
Floor space: 1000 sq meters
Packages sorting capability: 100,000-plus per month
No. of flights: 5 per week using a dedicated F27 plus a network of feeder planes and commercial aircraft
Trucking operation: In excess of 200 truck movements per month servicing many GCC destinations into and out of Bahrain
No. of employees: 21 total - majority Bahraini nationals
No. of customer drop-off
centres in Bahrain: 4 drop-off points for customer packages around the island
including a new drop-off point at the new FedEx facility
About FedEx Express
FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp., connects areas that generate 90% of the world's gross domestic product in one to three business days with door-to-door, customs-cleared service and a money-back guarantee. The company's unmatched air route authorities and infrastructure make it the world's largest express transportation company, providing fast, reliable and time-definite transportation of approximately 3.1 million packages to 215 countries each working day. FedEx Express employs more than 137,000 employees and has approximately 50,000 drop-off locations, 649 aircraft and approximately 42,000 motorized vehicles in its integrated global network.
About FedEx Corp.
FedEx Corp. (NYSE:FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenues of $26 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 240,000 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.
Contact:
Rasha Kashkoush Rana Habib
Hill and Knowlton Hill and Knowlton
Phone: (9714) 3344930 Phone: (973) 17533532
Fax: (9714) 3344923 Fax: (973) 17533370
e-mail: rasha.kashkoush@hillandknowlton.com rana@hillandknowlton.com.bh
[1] Boeing World Air Cargo Forecast 2004/5
© Press Release 2004
