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.
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.
