FedEx has announced an expansion in its international air cargo service connecting Qingdao, China, to the United States. The increased service frequency, now five flights per week, aims to boost local connectivity and access to global markets. To support this expansion, FedEx also opened a new international gateway facility at Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport.
The route, which utilizes a B777 freighter, includes a stop in Osaka, Japan, before reaching Memphis, Tennessee. Since trial operations began in May 2024 with one flight per week, FedEx has scaled up to daily weekday flights, reducing delivery times by one day for shipments from Qingdao and Shandong Province to North America. Certain shipments to the U.S. can now reach next-day delivery.
“With over 40 years of operations in Asia Pacific, FedEx continues to lead in enhancing connectivity and driving greater value for our customers,” said Kawal Preet, President of Asia Pacific, FedEx. “Our expanded flight linking Qingdao to the U.S. strengthens one of the world’s most vital trade corridors, positioning Asian businesses for success, especially during the ongoing festive peak shopping season.”
FedEx’s new Qingdao gateway is its fifth facility in China, adding to existing ones in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Covering 2,000 square meters and equipped with an automated sorting system, the facility aims to improve shipping and customs efficiency for local customers in Shandong Province.
Qingdao is a key hub for trade in the region. Imports and exports reached $104.6 billion in the first ten months of 2024, up 3% year over year. FedEx’s expanded service aligns with Qingdao’s growth strategy.
“Focused on delivering an outstanding customer experience, we continuously transform our air network by offering differentiated freight solutions, increasing capacity, and creating faster connections to meet demand, all while building a more flexible, efficient, and intelligent logistics network,” added Preet.