( BW)(TN-FEDEX)(FDX) FedEx Express Offers More Shipping Options Within
Intra-Asia Market; Newly Awarded U.S.- Hong Kong Interim Frequencies
Provides Customers with Greater Connectivity Within the Region
Business Editors
MEMPHIS, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 5, 2002--On December 3,
2002, FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE:FDX), began
utilizing the first of six recently awarded interim frequencies that
allow FedEx Express to carry local traffic on key flights within the
Asia Pacific region. The six interim frequencies, which strengthen the
company's competitive stance in that fast-growing region, mean that
FedEx can offer additional direct service on flights between Hong Kong
and other Asian markets with minimal start up costs.
FedEx is using two of the interim frequencies on Seoul, Korea to
Hong Kong flights. Two other frequencies are in use on Manila to Hong
Kong flights. One frequency will be applied to an existing flight
between the FedEx Asia Pacific Hub in Subic Bay, the Philippines, and
Hong Kong, beginning December 8, 2002. The remaining frequency will be
used to initiate a new round-trip flight between Hong Kong and Subic
Bay, effective December 8.
"Due to our extensive operations in the Asia Pacific region, FedEx
Express was able to take immediate advantage of the additional
frequencies, providing greater market connectivity for our customers,"
said Michael L. Ducker, executive vice president, International, FedEx
Express. "The new frequencies also help FedEx Express make more
efficient use of our existing assets in the region."
The DOT moved quickly to award the interim authority so that US
carriers can take immediate advantage of these new opportunities while
it decides on how to allocate those rights. The interim rights will
remain in effect until 90 days after the DOT awards the permanent
rights.
Last month, FedEx Express submitted an application to the
Department of Transportation for a number of permanent fifth-freedom
frequencies, which will allow FedEx Express to offer greater access to
Asia from the U.S. and Europe as well as within the Asia-Pacific
region.
FedEx expanded its presence in Asia when the company opened a hub
in Subic Bay, the Philippines in 1995. The FedEx AsiaOne(R) network,
which offers direct service into, out of and within 19 markets the
Asia Pacific region, was launched in September 1995.
The Asia Pacific region was the company's fastest-growing
international market during the first quarter of this fiscal year and
Greater China is an important part of FedEx's growth in the division.
FedEx entered the Chinese marketplace in 1984 and has demonstrated its
commitment to working with government authorities to help bring
world-class express transportation to the region. FedEx operates 160
flights per month into and out of Hong Kong.
About FedEx
With annual revenues of $21 billion, FedEx Corp. is the premier
global provider of transportation, e-commerce and supply chain
management services. The company offers integrated business solutions
through a network of subsidiaries operating independently, including:
FedEx Express, the world's largest express transportation company;
FedEx Ground, North America's second largest provider of small-package
ground delivery service; FedEx Freight, the largest U.S. provider of
regional less-than-truckload freight services; FedEx Custom Critical,
North America's largest provider of expedited time-critical shipments;
and FedEx Trade Networks, a provider of customs clearance,
international freight forwarding and trade facilitation.
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CONTACT: FedEx Corp., Memphis
Sally Davenport, 901/434-7765
sddavenport@fedex.com
KEYWORD: TENNESSEE PHILIPPINES HONG KONG CHINA INTERNATIONAL ASIA
PACIFIC EUROPE
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: TRANSPORTATION AIRLINES
SOURCE: FedEx Corp.