FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) and the world’s largest express transportation company, processes thousands of medical shipments every day through its European hub based at Paris-Charles de Gaulle. That includes personal protective equipment, clinical trials, vital medical supplies, equipment, and PCR test sequencing kits that will help screen the population, and are transported to hospitals, retirement homes and other medical facilities located throughout France.
In the past few weeks, FedEx Express flights, including intercontinental flights, have played a crucial role in fulfilling our commitment to containing and combating COVID-19. FedEx Express is the leading air cargo operator in France currently representing more than a third of the cargo capacity at Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport.
Jean Muls, vice president, Air Hub Operations Europe, FedEx Express stated: “The COVID-19 situation has generated an unprecedented demand for air freight transport from Asia to Europe. In April, we increased our flights between Asia and Europe by almost 50% with our CDG hub playing a vital part. A real air connection is in place and FedEx is playing a major role.”
As the world’s largest cargo airline with a fleet of 675 aircraft, FedEx Express has the ability to flex operations in times of crisis.FedEx is one of the few companies in the world that has the network and capabilities to allow the rapid shipment of medical and vital equipment from Asia, which is currently the main production location of the medical equipment used in response to the COVID-19 crisis. With the drastic decline of commercial airline flights, cargo fleets such as those of FedEx Express have an essential role to play.
FedEx Express was recently asked by the French authorities to support the delivery of 9 million facemasks to supply the distribution circuit for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
In response, FedEx Express mobilized its network to help with the effort, and support SMEs as they work to rebound after the pandemic.