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

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

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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
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