Quantcast

FedEx celebrates four decades of transatlantic flights

Here's how Southwest Airlines' new seating and boarding process will work
Delta Adds New Route to Asia
Southwest Airlines will begin selling assigned seats in 2025
United Airlines Pilot Buys Passengers Pizza In Albuquerque After Flight Was Delayed 7 Hours
Airlines begin canceling flights, offering rebooking ahead of Hurricane Helene
Southwest Airlines to cut service and staffing in Atlanta to slash costs
New heights, new features: Discover Alaska’s enhanced Flight Pass subscription service
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers
American Airlines welcomes JetSMART to the award-winning AAdvantage program
Explore Japan for free? Japan Airlines offers free domestic flights to foreign travelers
Delta named Official Airline Partner of Birmingham City Football Club
American Airlines to Cut These Routes to Las Vegas, Orlando, and More — Here's Why
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers
Southwest wouldn't really start charging for bags — right?
JD Power ranked this Midwest airport as the best among largest airports in North America
Alaska Airlines Chief Plans More Routes After a Deal With Hawaiian
Air Canada could begin suspending flights soon as strike deadline nears
JetBlue's new ticket policy entitles every passenger to a carry-on bag
Why United Airlines’ CEO makes as few decisions as possible
American invests in the future of aviation maintenance with new jobs, additional work
DOT probe seeks to determine if frequent flyer programs are fair to travelers
American Airlines flight diverted after passenger starts vaping
Russian Airline Wants $100 Million From Canada for Seizing Its Giant Cargo Plane
Here's where American Airlines is adding flights to Europe in summer 2025
Major airline grounds Airbus A350 fleet, citing faulty engine component
Airline CEO wants airports to cap passengers at 2 alcoholic drinks to limit on-board disruptions
Regulator cuts Malaysia Airlines' air operator certificate duration after probe
United Airlines flight attendants are prepared to strike. Here's why it's still unlikely.
2 workers killed, 1 injured in tire explosion at a Delta Air Lines shop in Atlanta
Emirates Will Buy 5 Airbus A380s From Lessor For $200 Million
FedEx celebrates four decades of transatlantic flights
Policy
Webp dq5bv26w93r6m2qjdzuwyuvvvn32
Mark Allen FedEx Executive Leadership Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary | FedEx

FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp., marks the 40th anniversary of its first transatlantic scheduled flight service. On June 15, 1985, a fleet of seven Boeing 727s from Federal Express established an important air connection between New York, London, and Brussels. This was a pivotal moment in reshaping global trade and connectivity.

Fourteen years after its founding in Little Rock, Arkansas, FedEx began offering a handling service between the U.S. and major cities in Western Europe. The transatlantic route laid the foundation for an economic era where air freight traffic boomed with goods ranging from medicines to machine parts and perishable foods.

FedEx's rise from its beginnings to becoming an industry giant is notable. In 1973, FedEx started operations with 186 packages; today it handles over 17 million shipments daily through its global network.

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.

Operationally, FedEx has continuously expanded its presence. Initially connecting only 25 U.S. cities in 1973, the company now links more than 220 countries and regions worldwide. This growth is supported by a workforce that has grown from 389 employees to over 500,000 globally.

"1985 saw the concept of fast and reliable transatlantic shipping just emerging," said Wouter Roels, Regional President of FedEx Europe. "Our commitment to connecting Europe and North America played a crucial role in developing modern supply chains."

FedEx's integrated air and road network in Europe has significantly expanded over time. With two intercontinental air hubs and daily connections across 45 countries through 27 road hubs, FedEx sorts about two million packages daily at over 550 pickup and delivery stations in Europe.

The company's transatlantic capabilities connect most European regions with key U.S. business centers offering customers flexible delivery options for their global shipments. European e-commerce merchants benefit particularly from international services guaranteeing next-day delivery at competitive prices along with regional freight services across 22 countries for less urgent packages.

"The transatlantic trade relationships remain a cornerstone of the world economy," added Roels. "While dynamics have evolved—from the rise of e-commerce to sustainable logistics—our mission remains: providing certainty in an uncertain world."

Credit: Collection Guy Van Herbruggen

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Lufthansa has introduced its new Allegris onboard travel experience on long-haul routes between Munich, Germany and Tokyo’s Haneda Airport.

Oct 27, 2025

FedEx has released the results of a recent survey focused on how Asia-Pacific (APAC) companies are responding to changes in global trade and customs regulations.

Oct 26, 2025

Delta Air Lines has inaugurated its first nonstop service from the United States to Marrakech, Morocco, marking the airline's return to North Africa after more than 14 years.

Oct 26, 2025

Alaska Airlines has announced a significant expansion of its route network for 2026, with plans to introduce service to two new cities and launch 13 new or returning routes.

Oct 25, 2025

Delta Air Lines will introduce new in-flight menu options created by celebrity chef José Andrés starting November 4.

Oct 25, 2025

The Blue Sky partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue launched today, allowing members of both airlines’ loyalty programs to earn and redeem points across the two carriers.

Oct 25, 2025