Mumbai: FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp (NYSE: FDX), has announced that it will be first to take delivery of the giant Airbus A380-800F — in August 2008 — and deploy the plane for its global customers. "The A380 will play a significant role in our ongoing efforts to expand our networks and broaden our range of services," said FedEx chairman, president and chief executive officer Frederick W Smith.

Delivery of the first A380 cargo plane will be followed by two more at the end of 2008, three in 2009, three in 2010 and the tenth in 2011. FedEx also holds options for 10 additional aircraft. During the first year of operation, the three FedEx planes will operate on long-range routes between hubs in Asia and North America. Additional routes from Europe to North America and Europe to Asia will be added as more aircraft are added to the fleet in coming years.

The A380 is capable of flying more than 150 metric tonnes in 1,100 cubic metres of cargo space, and provides significantly lower direct operating costs than today''s largest flying aircraft. It has a range of about 6,000 nautical miles (11,100 kilometers), and will have tonne / km costs that are expected to be approximately 15 to 20 per cent lower than the MD-11, presently FedEx''s largest aircraft.

FedEx Corp offers transportation, e-commerce and business services worldwide, and has annual revenues of US$27billion. The company offers integrated business applications through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the FedEx and Kinko''s brands. FedEx has more than 250,000 employees and contractors.

A380 freighter fact sheet

Engine: General Electric-Pratt & Whitney Engine Alliance''s GP7200

Capacity: 150 metric tons within 1,100 cubic meters (this is twice the payload of the MD-11).

Wing Span: 79.8 meters

Length: 73 meters

Height: 24.1 meters

Fuel Tank Capacity: 310,000 litres

Range: 6,000 nautical miles (11,100 kilometers)