FedEx Express has introduced its first Boeing 777 Freighter service in Shanghai. With mainland China being one of the fastest-growing markets for FedEx in the Asia Pacific region and Shanghai having the biggest outbound trans-Pacific route, the new aircraft is being placed to supportstrong customer demand, FedEx said.

The new 777F service connects Shanghai directly with the FedEx Super Hub in Memphis, Tennessee for the first time as of 4 January. “The deployment of our first 777F aircraft in the Asia Pacific region demonstrates the FedEx commitment to delivering innovation that advances the express logistics industry, while providing our customers with unparalleled connectivity and services,” said FedEx Express president, Asia Pacific, David L. Cunningham Jr.

“With the 777F’s shorter flight times, our operational advantages give our customers a competitive advantage in the global marketplace through speed and reliability,” said Cunningham. “In addition, the 777F is able to deliver these benefits while helping FedEx build a more sustainable operation in the long term through its fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.”

By April 2010, FedEx Express plans to have a total of four 777Fs serving routes between Asia and the US and by end of fiscal 2014, there will be 15 777Fs in the company’s fleet. FedEx Express has a second order of 15 777Fs, which will be delivered between fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2019, and holds options on 15 more. The carrier has also been understood to be the key player lobbying Boeing to begin a 777 passenger to freighter conversionprogramme.