Quantcast

FedEx celebrates four decades of transatlantic service

FedEx celebrates four decades of transatlantic service
Policy
Webp 19kq3lf6dzfbp2dosx6xinlgu3d9
Raj Subramaniam President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director FedEx Corporation | FedEx

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.

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.

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
More News

UPS has operated one of the longest direct air cargo routes in the United States since 2018, connecting Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) in Kentucky with Dubai International Airport (DXB) in the United Arab Emirates.

Aug 2, 2025

The Boeing 737 MAX 10 is the largest version of the 737 family, designed to compete with the Airbus A321neo.

Aug 2, 2025

Russian airline Aeroflot reported significant flight disruptions on Monday, July 28, due to a failure in its information systems.

Aug 2, 2025

After more than four years, American Airlines will reintroduce its Boeing 777-200ER aircraft on the New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) route starting October 6.

Aug 2, 2025

The Airbus A321XLR, which entered service in late 2024, is now the longest-range narrowbody aircraft available.

Aug 2, 2025

The Boeing 747 and Airbus A380 are the only commercial jetliners with a partial or full second passenger deck, and both have left a significant mark on aviation history.

Aug 2, 2025