ROUTES ASIA: FedEx Express Launches 777F to South Korea

FedEx Express, the airline subsidiary of logistics specialist FedEx Corp. has announced the launch of a new dedicated Boeing 777F cargo route connecting its World Hub in Memphis, Tennessee to South Korea offering four non-stop flights a week. In 2010, US$38.8 billion of goods were exported from the US to South Korea, a significant 35 per cent rise year–on-year, and FedEx says it has introduced this service to meet growing demands across global markets and offer practical solutions for increased shipping needs.

“Korea is the seventh-largest trading partner of the US in terms of two-way trade which is expected to increase after final approval of the US – Korea Free Trade Agreement,” said Michael L Ducker, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, FedEx Express. “Flying direct to South Korea supports export trade from the US, Canada and select markets in Latin America and helps put our customers’ shipments from these locations into the South Korean market much faster.”

According to the US International Trade Commission, US merchandise exports to Korea would likely increase by nearly $11 billion a year after of the pending US - Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS) is approved. With the new direct service, FedEx says it can now deliver documents and packages from the US, Canada and select markets in Latin America to Seoul, South Korea in two to three business days.