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FedEx completes historic roundtrip delivery for giant panda conservation

FedEx completes historic roundtrip delivery for giant panda conservation
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Mark Allen FedEx Executive Leadership Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary | FedEx

FedEx Corporation recently completed a significant logistical operation involving the transportation of six giant pandas between the United States and China. This marks the first time FedEx has conducted roundtrip deliveries of pandas using the same aircraft, a Boeing 777-F known as the "FedEx Panda Express."

The journey began in Atlanta, Georgia, where four pandas were flown to Chengdu, China. The pandas included Lun Lun and Yang Yang, both 27 years old, along with their twin offspring Ya Lun and Xi Lun. Upon arrival in Chengdu on October 13, they were transferred to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.

On the return flight to Washington D.C., two-year-old pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao were transported from Chengdu. They arrived at Dulles International Airport on October 15 before being taken to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI). These moves contribute to FedEx's history of panda transportation since 2000.

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Richard W. Smith, chief operating officer and CEO of FedEx Airline, stated: “Each giant panda move is special, and we’re always honored when selected as the trusted transportation provider.” He emphasized this mission as an example of FedEx's commitment to connecting communities globally.

Poh-Yian Koh, Senior Vice President of FedEx and President of FedEx China, noted that this operation set a record for FedEx in terms of complexity and number of pandas transported in a single trip.

The flights included animal care experts from Zoo Atlanta and NZCBI to ensure the safety and comfort of the animals during transit. The only cargo besides the pandas was essential supplies like bamboo and water.

Since its inception as a panda transporter in 2000, FedEx has facilitated numerous cross-border panda transports worldwide. This latest mission highlights its ongoing commitment to cultural exchange through wildlife conservation efforts.

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Organizations Included in this History
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