Quantcast

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

European air traffic warning means summer delays for holidaymakers
The EU rule change that could affect millions of Brits when their flight is delayed or cancelled
Delta Earnings Land Soon. Why They’re Key for Airline Stocks and the Economy.
Avelo Airlines to Operate Deportation Flights, Hiring Flight Attendants
Travel chaos 2025: all the strikes and disruption expected across Europe
United receives FAA approval for first Starlink-equipped planes
Qantas launches mammoth Asia flight sale including Bali and Japan
New Update from Air Canada, WestJet, American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue Airways, and Sunwing: Airline Capacity Between Canada and US Slashed as Bookings Plummet Seventy Per Cent
Delta Cuts Two Domestic Routes
United Airlines Technicians Reject ‘Dead on Arrival’ Contract Proposal, Teamsters Say
The State of the Asia Pacific Airline Industry
Spirit Airlines to add Detroit nonstop flight out of Bradley International Airport
Major airline to launch new direct flights from Scotland to North America
Ryanair launches new ‘prime’ membership which saves passengers more than £400 a year
Judge Orders Boeing to Trial on 737 MAX Case
Qantas’ free international Wi-Fi to switch on from next week
The real reason Southwest is charging for bags now
Air France-KLM in ongoing talks with Air Europa on potential stake, CEO says
Frontier Savagely Shades Southwest After They Eliminated Longstanding Free Bag Policy, Sparking Backlash
Frontier Wants You to 'Divorce Your Old Airline' After Southwest Changes
Delta named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies for sustainability initiatives
Passengers escape fiery American Airlines jet in Denver
Delta, American Dive On Slashed Outlooks; But Two Airlines Rally
Competitors are circling Southwest after the airline announced it's going to start charging for checked bags
Exclusive: Dominican Low-Cost Carrier Arajet Wants to Disrupt NYC Market
Boeing deliveries rise 63% in February from a year earlier
Transportation Secretary Duffy Lays Out 10 Ways the FAA Is Working to Upgrade Air Traffic Control and Make Flying Safer
EasyJet pilot Paul Elsworth suspended after flying too close to mountain
Delta Air Lines bets on ‘blended-wing’ flight to reduce emissions
Europe's airlines pivot to bite size M&A deals to limit cost, regulatory burden
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

Emirates Airline hosted members of UAE Team Emirates XRG at its Group Headquarters, marking the team's successful season in international cycling.

Oct 28, 2025

Amazon has announced that its KSBD Air Hub in San Bernardino recognized its September High Flyers for their outstanding commitment to the company's 16 Leadership Principles.

Oct 28, 2025

Amazon announced that employees at its KSBD Air Hub in San Bernardino participated in the 2025 Pink on Parade for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Oct 28, 2025

The ShebaMiles loyalty program, operated by Ethiopian Airlines for over 26 years, has more than 5.38 million members and offers four membership tiers: Blue, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.

Oct 28, 2025

Long Beach Airport has entered into a 30-year lease agreement with JetZero, Inc., a company focused on next-generation aircraft design.

Oct 28, 2025

Passengers planning summer travel for 2026 can now book flights with Lufthansa Group Airlines, which has released its schedule featuring new destinations and increased frequencies.

Oct 28, 2025