FedEx flies giant pandas to Atlanta on Boeing 777F

FedEx transported two giant pandas, six-year-old male Ping Ping and five-year-old female Fu Shuang, from Chengdu, China, to Atlanta, Georgia. Working with Zoo Atlanta, the pandas travelled aboard a FedEx Boeing 777F freighter, registered as N868FD and featuring the “FedEx Panda Express” sticker.

During their non-stop flight from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Ping Ping and Fu Shuang travelled in custom-built crates under the care of Zoo Atlanta animal specialists. The pandas were the only cargo aboard the aircraft, accompanied by fresh bamboo, water and an assortment of their favourite treats.

FedEx also provided trucking and logistical support in Atlanta to safely transport the pandas from the airport to Zoo Atlanta. With this latest move, FedEx has transported 23 pandas to and from China since 2000.

“We have had the privilege of transporting giant pandas for more than two decades, and every time the FedEx Panda Express is called into service, our entire team feels the significance of the mission,” said Richard W. Smith, Chief Operating Officer, International, and Chief Executive Officer, Airline, FedEx. “Safely delivering Ping Ping and Fu Shuang to their new home in Atlanta underscores our long-standing commitment to global conservation and our network’s ability to securely transport high-priority, precious cargo.”

Before the journey, the pandas spent time getting accustomed to their enclosures to help ensure a safe and comfortable trip. After arriving at Zoo Atlanta, Ping Ping and Fu Shuang began quarantine ahead of their public debut later this year.

For decades, FedEx has worked with the Chinese government and zoos around the world to safely transport giant pandas. The company donated the full transportation cost for this move as part of its ongoing corporate social responsibility and environmental conservation efforts. FedEx said it remains committed to connecting communities worldwide and supporting global trade by keeping supply chains moving.