FedEx connects China with Europe via new 777Fs air freight service

FedEx Express has launched a new air freight service connecting the Chinese gateway cities Shanghai and Guangzhou with Frankfurt Airport in Germany. 

The freighters will fly out five times a week, Tuesday to Saturday and enable FedEx customers to import and export goods from China or Europe. According to FedEx, this is the first time that a direct 777Fs flight has been launched from Guangzhou Baiyu International Airport to Europe.

Moreover, customers will be able to ship good quickly and efficiently whilst also benefiting from the large air cargo storage inside the freighters without an extensive use of fuel. Both freighters are said to be highly fuel-efficient with a low carbon offset.

Image c/o logisticsweek.com

China is Europe’s second largest export partner and trading partner as well as the largest import country in Europe. In Q1 of 2012, the trade value was estimated at EUR 105.6 billion. FedEx Express is responding to this growing trend by adding more air freight services to its product range and has recently expanded the Shanghai Gateway.

Source: Analytiqa.com

Lufthansa Cargo's air freight volume plummets

The German Lufthansa Cargo is losing air freight volume faster than its competitors.  
Last May, the volume was down by 12.3 percent compared to the same time last year. A continuing trend that also left its mark on overall performance. In fact, Lufthansa Cargo carried 713,000 tonnes this year; 10.2 percent less than in 2011.

Image c/o mediabase.lufthansa.com

In order to stay profitable, the air cargo company has decided to cut it capacities and resist the challenges of the current market. According to Air Cargo Week, the decreasing volume is a result of the night-flying ban which was imposed on Lufthansa Cargo’s hub at Frankfurt am Main airport last year.

There may be an increase in volume in the second half of this year but nothing is certain.

Source: ACW, The Journal of Commerce