Press Releases
Hong Kong, April 26, 1996 - FedEx is planning a significant expansion
of its operations at Paris' Charles de-Gaulle airport, it was announced
during a joint press conference this week with Bernard Pons, French
Minister for Equipment, Housing, Transport and Tourism, and Frederick
W. Smith, chairman and CEO of Federal Express Corporation.
Having established a global network of regional hubs, including the
recently announced Asian hub at Subic Bay in the Philippines and a
Middle East hub in Dubai, FedEx is expanding its main European hub at
Charles-de-Gaulle (CDG).
In remarks at the press conference, Mr Smith stated that the CDG hub will
play an important role in linking French business with the world's main
economic centers, with transit times of between 24 and 48 hours for
express shipments. He acknowledged the French government's
willingness to support the decision by FedEx which, by developing its
operation at CDG, will stimulate the economic growth of the area.
Minister Pons expressed his pleasure with FedEx's decision which may
lead to the creation of 3,000 jobs. He emphasized that this decision is the
result of efficient collaboration between all Civil Services concerned and
Aeroports de Paris, under the Prime Minister's authority.
"Four years ago, when FedEx began air operations at CDG, we were
attracted by the size of the French market and by the access to the huge
potential of the Paris area," said David J. Bronozek, senior vice president
and general manager, Europe, Middle East and Africa division. "We were
also very conscious of CDG's geographical position at the heart of the
continent." In addition to its state-of-the-art airport facilities, CDG offers
excellent flight connections, links to several major road systems and the
additional opportunities presented by France's world-famous TGV rail
network.
FedEx's decision to expand at CDG demonstrates the openness of the
French economy and that its administration knows how to respond to the
needs of businesses, which explains why in 1995 France was number two
in Europe in attracting international investment.
It is also expected that the region will benefit from companies that will be
attracted to the CDG area by the availability of enhanced FedEx global
services. FedEx has observed such business development in proximity to
its other major hubs, including its relatively new Subic Bay facility.
FedEx serves 210 countries, providing fast and reliable package delivery for
approximately 2.5 million items each working day. The company has over
119,000 employees, more than 530 aircraft, 37,000 vehicles and nearly
300,000 Powership® and FedEx ShipTM automated systems in its integrated
global network. It handles more than 380,000 calls and 35.5 million
electronic transmissions daily. Federal Express reported revenues of
US$9.4 billion for its 1995 fiscal year.
FedEx currently services the Asia Pacific market with nearly 3,000
employees in 30 countries and territories. The company provides the
most extensive trans-Pacific air lift of any major competitor, with wide-bodied MD-11, DC-10 and A310 aircraft flying daily, linking its FedEx AsiaOne
network for overnight delivery to major commercial and financial centers
throughout Asia. It is the only express transportation carrier in the world
using its own aircraft and crews to provide an integrated service into and
out of the People's Republic of China.
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