FedEx Express revises C408 induction plans

FedEx Express (FX, Memphis Int’l) has revealed in its quarterly earnings that it will induct its new Cessna 408 SkyCouriers more slowly than previously planned.

The logistics specialist said it would add just three units by the end of May 2022, compared to nine in its earlier plan. It did not provide any reasons for the change.

FedEx Express plans to stick with its original plan of inducting twelve new C408s each financial year for the next three accounting periods. However, in FY2026, i.e. from June 2025 to May 2026, it now intends to take eleven rather than five aircraft of the type. In total, FedEx has fifty firm C408 orders with another fifty options. It will be the type’s global launch customer. FedEx’s initial C408s will be operated by Mountain Air Cargo (MTN, Kinston).

Manufacturer Cessna Aircraft Company/Textron Aviation previously hoped to certify the type by the end of 2021. The first flight of N408PR (msn E408-745001) in passenger configuration took place in May 2020, while N408FR (msn 408-0001), the first C408 freighter, began flight testing in August 2020.