FedEx Express expands partnerships with FedEx, DHL Express

FedEx Express (FX, Memphis Int’l) has entered into a long-term agreement with Atlas Air (5Y, New York JFK) to wet-lease two B747-400 freighters in addition to the five aircraft it wet-leases annually for the peak year-end festive season.

“We are pleased to grow our long-term relationship with FedEx. This agreement reflects the continued strong demand for airfreight capacity, particularly in the express and e-commerce markets,” said President and Chief Executive Officer of Atlas Air John W. Dietrich.

The first of the two aircraft, B747-400(FSCD) N493MC (msn 29254), started operating for FedEx on August 4, 2021, while N450PA (msn 30808), operated by Atlas Air’s subsidiary Polar Air Cargo (PO, New York JFK), began flying under FedEx’s code in mid-July, Flightradar24 ADS-B data shows.

FedEx has never operated any in-house B747 freighters, the ch-aviation fleets history module shows.

Separately, Atlas Air also announced the extension of a 20-aircraft charter contract with DHL Express. The partnership covers six B747-8Fs, two B747-400(F)s, eight B777-200Fs, and four B767-300(F)s operated exclusively on behalf of DHL, albeit under Atlas Air’s code. The two companies have been steadily expanding their partnership since 2008. DHL Express owns a 49% stake in Polar Air Cargo.