FedEx Express eyes new-generation widebody freighters

FedEx Express (FX, Memphis Int’l) is planning to order new-generation widebody freighters – either A350(F)s or B777X(F)s – but only once it has sorted out its current disagreements with labour unions, Reuters has reported.

The cargo integrator is thought to be much closer to ordering the newly announced Boeing aircraft. However, as its certification timeline remains uncertain, any further delays to the approval of the B777-9 could move the needle in favour of Airbus.

Currently, FedEx Express operates mainly Boeing aircraft including 108 B757-200(SF)s, 112 B767-300Fs, and fifty-one B777-200Fs, the ch-aviation fleets advanced module shows. It also has firm orders for a further thirty-eight B767-300Fs and six B777-200Fs. Its only Airbus freighters are relatively old A300s; one A300-600(F), forty-two A300-600Fs, and twenty-three A300-600R(F)s.

However, despite the airline’s interest, any decision would only be taken once the heated disagreements with its pilot unions over pay and benefits are resolved. The company does not want to complicate its bargaining position by committing to a significant non-labour investment, Reuters said.

Separately, the Italian daily Il Tirreno has reported that FedEx will concentrate all of its regional operations at Bologna airport and closing its overnight base at Pisa airport. Currently, the latter is served by FedEx subcontractor ASL Airlines Ireland (ABR, Dublin Int’l) using an ATR72-200(F) from Paris CDG. In turn, Bologna sees daily services from Liège and onwards to Ljubljana operated by ASL Airlines Belgium (3V, Liège) with a B737-800(BCF). The consolidation of services in Bologna will not affect local employment in Pisa as a distribution centre will continue to exist in the city.