Quantcast

FedEx completes first-ever roundtrip panda deliveries between US and China

Routes & Networks Latest: Rolling Daily Updates (W/C Sept. 22, 2025)
First new Qantas Airbus jets come with one toilet for every 90 economy passengers – worse than Jetstar, Scoot and Ryanair
Breeze Airways becomes the first new US flag carrier in a decade — just as rival Spirit fights its 2nd bankruptcy
Airport runway close calls spur hopes for wider adoption of cockpit alert technology
Family sues American Airlines over deadly crash near National Airport
United Airlines briefly grounds all flights in US, Canada for second time in 2 months
2025 Air Canada flight attendants strike
Spirit Airlines preparing to furlough one-third of its flight attendants
‘Hypocrisy’ and ‘blackmail’: Ryanair’s feud with Spain
Exclusive: Turkey's surprise Air Europa deal came down to one key thing: control
Major airline launches exciting new route from Scotland to popular US location
Airlines fear carbon tax as flagship climate scheme develops holes
Ryanair scraps three Vienna routes, demands lower taxes and fees
Turkish Airlines has no intention of raising stake in Spain's Air Europa, chairman says
US lawmakers want Trump to reinstate delay compensation plan for air travelers
IATA pushes to raise international pilot retirement age to 67
US orders Delta and Aeromexico to dissolve their partnership over fairness concerns in Mexico
Southwest’s New Wheelchair Policy Will Require Passengers to Remove 1 Item Before Boarding — What to Know
Aviation expansion: IndiGo to start direct Mumbai-Copenhagen flights from Oct 8; marks entry into Nordics - The Times of India
Major change for ALL Aer Lingus passengers flying from busy airport to offer 'modern and streamlined' experience
Southwest Airlines adds Sonoma County in California expansion - The Points Guy
Routes & Networks Latest: Rolling Daily Updates (W/C Sept. 8, 2025)
Delta Sees Record Premium Seats in '26, Main Cabin Flat or Down
Southwest requiring removal of batteries from mobility devices before boarding
Qantas’ milestone move for huge, new planes
EasyJet to launch 11 new flight routes from small UK airport named the best in Europe
Tycoon unveils £25 billion rival Heathrow expansion plan
Boeing and Airbus ground green plane projects
50 New Routes Launching In September 2025
JetBlue's Network Shake-Up: Its Top 10 Routes This Month
FedEx completes first-ever roundtrip panda deliveries between US and China
Policy
Webp 1rxjc6i53wek612b0m8c45e1jg8i
Jill Brannon FedEx Executive Leadership Executive Vice President, Chief Sales Officer | FedEx

FedEx Corporation has successfully completed its first-ever roundtrip delivery of giant pandas between the United States and China. The transportation involved two separate flights using a FedEx Boeing 777-F, known as the "FedEx Panda Express."

The journey began in Atlanta, Georgia, where four giant pandas were transported from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport in China. The flight departed on October 12 and arrived on October 13. The pandas included Lun Lun and Yang Yang, both 27 years old, along with their twin offspring Ya Lun and Xi Lun. These pandas have been residing at Zoo Atlanta since 1999 and are now at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.

On the return flight from Chengdu to Washington, D.C., FedEx transported two-year-old pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI). This leg of the journey took place from October 14 to October 15. Bao Li is noted as the grandcub of Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, who were also transported by FedEx in November 2023.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Richard W. Smith, chief operating officer for International operations and CEO of Airline at FedEx, stated: “Each giant panda move is special, and we’re always honored when selected as the trusted transportation provider.” He emphasized that this was their first roundtrip move involving delivery to and from China within a single aircraft journey.

FedEx has collaborated with the Chinese government and global zoos for over two decades to facilitate panda transportations. The company donated transportation costs as part of its corporate social responsibility efforts focused on environmental conservation.

Animal care experts accompanied the flights to ensure the safety and comfort of the animals during transit. The only cargo besides supplies such as bamboo was the pandas themselves.

Upon arrival in Washington, D.C., Bao Li and Qing Bao entered quarantine before their public debut scheduled for January 2025.

This operation marks another milestone for FedEx's ongoing involvement in panda conservation efforts globally.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that its Wings of Change Europe (WOCE) event will take place at the Steigenberger Icon Wiltcher's Hotel in Brussels.

Oct 23, 2025

Delta Air Lines has announced a new partnership with Crunchyroll, the global anime streaming platform, to bring a curated selection of anime content to its flights.

Oct 23, 2025

Delta Air Lines has been recognized as one of the 2025 Fortune Best Workplaces for Women, marking its return to the list since 2019.

Oct 23, 2025

Delta Air Lines marked its 100th anniversary by serving as the official airline of the 60th Head of the Charles Regatta (HOCR) in Boston.

Oct 23, 2025

American Airlines has announced that it will upgrade its Boeing 777-200ER aircraft with new Flagship Suites, the airline's latest business-class product.

Oct 23, 2025

Delta Air Lines will introduce a new in-flight dining partnership with Chef José Andrés, bringing Spanish-inspired cuisine to select cabins starting November 4.

Oct 23, 2025