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.