FedEx celebrates four decades of transatlantic service

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FedEx celebrates four decades of transatlantic service

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Raj Subramaniam President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director FedEx Corporation | FedEx

By Sky Industry News

Jun 12, 2025

FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp., is commemorating 40 years since the launch of its first scheduled transatlantic service. The milestone dates back to June 15, 1985, when a fleet of seven Federal Express Boeing 727s began operations between New York, London, and Brussels. This development marked a significant shift in global commerce and connectivity.

The transatlantic route was established 14 years after FedEx's founding in Little Rock, Arkansas. It played a crucial role not just in package delivery but also in enhancing economic integration across continents. Over the years, FedEx has grown from delivering 186 packages at its inception in 1973 to handling over 17 million shipments daily today.

FedEx's operational reach has expanded significantly since it started by serving only 25 U.S. cities. Now it connects more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. The company’s workforce has grown from an initial team of 389 employees to over half a million globally.

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Wouter Roels, regional president of FedEx Europe stated: “In 1985, the concept of rapid, reliable transatlantic shipping was just coming to the fore... Our commitment to connecting Europe and North America then, and now, has played a crucial role in the evolution of modern supply chains."

Today, FedEx boasts an extensive integrated air and road network throughout Europe with two air hubs and 27 road hubs linking multiple countries daily. On average, they sort about two million packages daily across more than 550 pick-up and delivery stations on the continent.

Their next-day transatlantic capabilities cover most European regions connecting them efficiently with major U.S business centers. European e-commerce traders benefit particularly from these services due to their balance between speed and cost-effectiveness.

Roels added: “The transatlantic trade relationship continues to be a cornerstone of the global economy... We are proud to have been part of European trade for four decades."

FedEx remains committed to responsible global connectivity with plans for carbon-neutral operations by 2040.

Organizations Included in this History

FedEx

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