Boeing, Fedex Express order new 767 fighters

Boeing and FedEx Express, a wholly-owned subsidiary of FedEx Corp, have announced an order for four 767 Freighters.

The order is part of FedEx's initiative to modernise its fleet.

"These additional 767 orders will help accelerate our fleet modernisation programme as we replace our ageing MD-10 freighter fleet," said FedEx Express executive vice president, air operations James R. Parker in a statement.

"These new 767s will provide significantly improved reliability and are substantially more fuel-efficient than the aircraft they will replace. They will be an excellent addition to the FedEx fleet," he said.

The addition of the 767 Freighters will enable FedEx to replace its less efficient medium widebody cargo airplanes with freighters that provide fuel, maintenance and other cost savings.

The freighters also increase efficiency by sharing spare parts, tooling and flight simulators with the Boeing 757s that are part of the FedEx air fleet. "The 767 Freighter is an ideal fit for FedEx Express.

It will provide a more efficient freighter for FedEx Express's fleet modernisation efforts and help align its network with anticipated cargo volumes," vice president of North

America Sales for Boeing Commercial Airplanes Brad McMullen said in a joint statement.

The 767 Freighter is based on the popular 767-300ER (extended range) passenger airplane.

Able to carry approximately 58 tons (52.7 tonnes) of revenue cargo with intercontinental range, the 767-300 Freighter is ideal for developing new long-haul, regional or feeder markets.