Quantcast

FedEx celebrates four decades of transatlantic flights

Wizz Air becomes first airline to operate P&W-powered Airbus A321XLR jet
Hawaiian Airlines’ new ‘no show’ policy may make travel more expensive
Global Airlines Launches Inaugural Flight, Aiming to Revive 'Golden Age of Travel'
Boeing scores Middle East plane deal during Trump visit
Air travel will be ‘worse’ this summer, lawmakers warn — as FAA gives infuriating update on system fixes, staffing issues
United Airlines CEO Reassures Passengers About Newark Airport Safety
American Testing Tech to Help Passengers Make Connecting Flights
British Airways to use AI in efforts to improve operations
American Airlines Tests New Tech to Help Passengers With Tight Connections During Summer Rush
Flight Diverted After Pregnant Woman on Board Goes into Labor and Delivers Her Baby: Report
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby says "this is the most optimistic I've been in my entire career about finally getting the FAA fixed"
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Unveils Plan to Build Brand New, State-of-the-Art Air Traffic Control System
Passenger rushing for next flight can't believe what woman next to her does
Why fuel price crash won’t make flying cheaper
Kristi Noem says travelers without Real ID will still be able to fly after deadline
Frontier Airlines Announces New Routes Launching This Summer, Connecting Baltimore With Chicago O’Hare and Trenton, N.J. With Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Airlines in North America prioritize investments in cyber, AI
The evolution of the airline uniform — a cross check
Global Airlines & HiFly Operate 1st Passenger Airbus A380 Flight Between Barcelona And Berlin
American Airlines unveils ritzy new plane suites launching this summer
Airline Stocks To Keep An Eye On - April 28th
Gatwick Airport Faces Potential Strikes
50 New Routes Starting In May 2025
Report: JetBlue, United Mulling Partnership
New First-Class Suites, Futuristic Aircraft and the Top Air Travel News From April 2025
Southwest Airlines Announces Reimagined Fare Products, New Benefits for Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers and Tier Member Customers
New Alaska Airlines trading cards take flight this World Pilots’ Day - Alaska Airlines News
United CEO calls Trump's tariffs a 'chess game'
Virtual Training Becomes a Reality
Korean Air Restarts Longest 747 Passenger Flight in the World
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

Citi has announced a significant partnership with American Airlines, allowing 1:1 point transfers from its ThankYou Rewards program to the airline's AAdvantage loyalty program.

Jul 27, 2025

Citi has introduced a new premium travel credit card, the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card, as a successor to the Citi Prestige Card.

Jul 27, 2025

Flying Food Group has highlighted the importance of its Corporate Treasury Team in managing financial resources.

Jul 26, 2025

Etihad Airways is preparing to launch its new Airbus A321LR aircraft, which promises to enhance the narrow-body flying experience.

Jul 26, 2025

Eurowings has been recognized as one of the top airlines in Europe, according to a study by the consumer portal Flightright.

Jul 25, 2025

American Airlines is set to reintroduce its Boeing 777-200ER aircraft for domestic flights between New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) this fall.

Jul 25, 2025