Published: December 04, 2011
Chinese Pandas Touch Down in Scotland on the "FedEx Panda Express"
LONDON - (BUSINESS WIRE) - FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) and the world's
largest express transportation company, has today announced the safe
arrival of two giant pandas, 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 to Edinburgh International
Airport in Scotland.
The FedEx Panda Express, a specially-decaled Boeing 777F, awaits departure from Chengdu, China for Edinburgh, Scotland with giant pandas Tian Tian and Yang Guang on board. (Photo: FedEx Express)
Working in conjunction with the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland
(RZSS) and the China Wildlife Conservation Association (CWCA) in China,
the specially-chartered Boeing 777F flight known as the "FedEx Panda
Express" landed in Scotland on Dec. 4 at approximately 1 p.m. local
time. The arrival of the pandas marks the first time in more than 17
years that giant pandas will reside in the UK.
The non-stop flight was chartered especially for the VIPs-Very Important
Pandas-and the pair traveled in custom-built enclosures provided by
FedEx Express. In-flight meals of bamboo, apples, carrots, a special
panda cake and mineral water were served to the pandas, who spent the
journey eating snacks and snoozing. Tian Tian and Yang Guang were
accompanied by a veterinarian and two animal handlers from Edinburgh Zoo
and the Bifengxia Panda Base to look after their needs throughout the
journey.
FedEx Express donated its logistical services for the transportation,
providing an expert team to ensure the rare animals' safety. During the
flight, the pandas were in the safe hands of seasoned management pilots,
all of whom have extensive experience in transporting some of the
world's most precious cargo, ranging from white rhinos to penguins.
"We are delighted to announce that the FedEx Panda Express has safely
touched down at Edinburgh International Airport," said Gerald P. Leary,
president, FedEx Express Europe, Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and
Africa. "It was an absolute privilege and honor to fly Tian Tian and
Yang Guang, and to be part of this significant moment to bring the
pandas to their new home in the UK. Although every flight is unique,
this flight has been particularly special-carrying such rare animals
made the journey very exciting for our team."
The pandas continued their journey in a specially-decaled FedEx Express
vehicle to deliver them to their new home at Edinburgh Zoo. The Lothian
and Borders Police Force were also on hand to ensure a smooth ride. Upon
arrival, the pandas will reside together in Edinburgh Zoo's
specially-built giant panda enclosure.
People can follow the final leg of the pandas' journey at http://blog.fedex.com/panda-express.
Additional content, including pictures and fact sheets, is also
available at http://news.fedex.com/PandaExpress2011.
For b-roll and extensive images of the pandas' departure, arrival and
handling please contact the FedEx Media team: LON-fedexpandas@ketchumpleon.com
/ +44 (0) 207 611 3500.
FedEx Express Transports Many Unusual Shipments
FedEx Express has a long history of transporting rare and delicate
cargo. In February 2010, FedEx Express transported Tai Shan, a male
panda born at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., U.S., and Mei Lan, a
male panda born at Zoo Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S., back to China.
In 2003, FedEx Express transported two giant pandas from China to the
Memphis Zoo in Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. In 2000, FedEx Express
transported Tai Shan's parents from China to Washington, D.C.'s National
Zoo.
Exotic cargo transported by FedEx Express has included polar bears,
white tigers, elephants, penguins, mountain lions, gorillas, eagles and
even a 13-foot tiger shark used in filming the movie "Jaws" .
Other unusual international cargo transported by FedEx Express includes
a windmill from Denmark, the Ryder Cup and a vintage Jaguar Le Mans car
worth more than £1 million.
About FedEx Express
FedEx Express is the world's largest express transportation company,
providing fast and reliable delivery to more than 220 countries and
territories. FedEx Express uses a global air-and-ground network to speed
delivery of time-sensitive shipments, by a definite time and date with a
money-back guarantee.
About FedEx Corp.
FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with
a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services.
With annual revenues of $40 billion, the company offers integrated
business applications through operating companies competing collectively
and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand.
Consistently ranked among the world's most admired and trusted
employers, FedEx inspires its more than 290,000 team members to remain
"absolutely, positively" focused on safety, the highest ethical and
professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities.
For more information, visit news.fedex.com.
About the Boeing 777 Freighter
The Boeing Company produces a complete line of commercial freighter
airplanes, including the 777 Freighter. The Boeing 777 Freighter is the
world's largest and most capable twin-engine freighter. The unsurpassed
efficiency and flexibility of the 777 Freighter has resulted in a
significant number of customer orders, with FedEx Express as the largest
customer. FedEx Express has taken delivery of 14 Boeing 777 Freighters
and has orders for 31 more.
Note to Editors
For further information, contact the FedEx Media team: LON-fedexpandas@ketchumpleon.com
/ +44 (0) 207 611 3500.
For more information about Tian Tian, Yang Guang or the Edinburgh Zoo /
RZSS please contact the Panda Team at Weber Shandwick on:
-
Telephone: + 44 (0) 131 556 6649
-
Mobiles: +44 (0) 7809 665 773 / +44 (0) 7770 886 901 /
+44 (0)
7770 886 937 / +44 (0) 7770 886 914.
-
email: pandamedia@webershandwick.com
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50094155&lang=en
FedEx Express
Deborah Willig, 901-508-4377
E-mail: deborah.willig@fedex.com
Copyright © 2012, Business Wire, Inc., All rights reserved.
Copyright © 2012, NewsBlaze,
Daily News
Search News
