“FedEx Panda Express” Brings First Giant Pandas to the United Kingdom in More Than 17 years

by Press Release on 2011-11-28

LONDON, Nov. 28, 2011–FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) and the world's largest express transportation company, today announced it is donating its logistical services to transport two giant pandas from China to Scotland on Sunday 4 December, 2011, subject to final regulatory approval. 

Working in conjunction with the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) and the China Wildlife Conservation Association (CWCA) in China, FedEx Express will fly the pandas non-stop from Chengdu Airport in China to Edinburgh Airport in Scotland on a specially-chartered Boeing 777F flight known as the “FedEx Panda Express”.

Tian Tian (??, aka Sweetie), an eight year-old female panda, and Yang Guang (??, aka Sunshine), an eight year-old male panda from Chengdu’s Bifengxia Panda Base, will travel onboard a specially panda-decaled FedEx Express Boeing 777F.

Their arrival will mark the first time in more than 17 years that giant pandas will reside in the United Kingdom.  The UK’s last giant panda, Ming Ming, left London Zoo to return to China on October 26, 1994.

"FedEx Express is uniquely qualified to make this special delivery given our long history connecting China to the UK and our extensive global experience in shipping precious cargo, from packages to pandas,” said Gerald P. Leary, president, FedEx Express Europe, Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa. “It is a privilege to serve as the trusted carrier of these rare animals, and we are proud to support the preservation efforts of this endangered species.”  

Currently, conservationists estimate that only 1,600 pandas remain in the wild. Both Tian Tian and Yang Guang are part of global giant panda conservation programs, designed to increase the panda population.

Onboard the Boeing 777F aircraft—which is solely dedicated to the pandas’ journey—Tian Tian and Yang Guang will travel in two custom-built transport containers provided by FedEx Express.  The pandas will fly from Chengdu Airport direct to Edinburgh Airport.  The fuel-efficient Boeing 777F aircraft used for this precious shipment is the world’s largest twin-engine cargo aircraft and the newest addition to the FedEx Express global fleet.

In addition to donating the air transportation, FedEx Express is providing ground and logistical support in Edinburgh, including a specially-decaled FedEx Express vehicle to deliver the pandas to Edinburgh Zoo.  Lothian and Borders Police Force will be on hand to ensure a smooth ride for these VIP’s—Very Important Pandas.

FedEx Express, Edinburgh Zoo, and Chengdu’s Bifengxia Panda Base have worked collaboratively to ensure all necessary precautions have been taken to provide a safe and comfortable flight for the pandas.  Animal care experts have been granted special flight privileges to accompany the pandas onboard the aircraft. Upon arrival, the pandas will reside in Edinburgh Zoo’s specially-built giant panda enclosure.

"The arrival of Tian Tian and Yang Guang is an historic occasion for Edinburgh Zoo.  We have been looking forward to this moment for five years now, since the Zoo first embarked on this epic journey to bring giant pandas to Scotland.  Our dedicated team has worked tirelessly to create a world-class enclosure to house our newest additions, which will offer visitors a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view these extraordinary animals,” said Hugh Roberts, Chief Executive, Edinburgh Zoo.

"With the arrival of the giant pandas, the Zoo has further cemented its role in the future conservation of one of the world's most endangered species. This is the beginning of a long-term relationship which will drive a program of international research and education and will have massive benefit for the Zoo, Scotland and the UK."

Due to security regulations, the departure and arrival events of the pandas will be closed to the general public, but people can follow the pandas’ journey at blog.fedex.com/panda-express.