This week, FedEx Corporation (NYSE: FDX) successfully transported six giant pandas between the United States and China via two flights. The roundtrip journey began in Atlanta, GA, with one flight delivering four pandas to Chengdu, China, and the other returning two pandas to Washington, D.C. The pandas were transported aboard a specially designated FedEx Boeing 777-F, affectionately named the “FedEx Panda Express.”
On October 12, the FedEx Panda Express took off from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, carrying four pandas to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU). The flight landed on October 13, and among the pandas were 27-year-old Lun Lun and 27-year-old Yang Yang, who have lived at Zoo Atlanta since 1999, along with their twin daughters, Ya Lun and Xi Lun, born at the zoo in 2016. Upon arrival, the pandas were safely transported to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.
For the return journey, two pandas were flown back to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) in Washington, D.C. The FedEx Panda Express departed Chengdu on October 14 and reached Dulles International Airport on October 15. The two pandas on this flight included two-year-old male Bao Li and two-year-old female Qing Bao. Notably, Bao Li is the grandcub of Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, who were transported to China in November 2023, along with their cub, Xiao Qi Ji.
For over two decades, FedEx has partnered with the Chinese government and various zoos worldwide to facilitate the safe transportation of giant pandas. The company is dedicated to maintaining global supply chains and fostering connections among communities through trade. As part of its ongoing corporate social responsibility and environmental conservation initiatives, FedEx donated the transportation costs for this mission.
Richard W. Smith, Chief Operating Officer, International, and CEO, Airline at FedEx, remarked, “Each giant panda move is special, and we’re always honored when selected as the trusted transportation provider. We have had the privilege of transporting pandas since 2000, but this was our first roundtrip move, delivering the bears to and from China within the same aircraft journey. The safe delivery of Lun Lun, Yang Yang, Ya Lun, and Xi Lun to China and Bao Li and Qing Bao to the U.S. demonstrates the company’s commitment to leveraging our extensive global network to connect communities. FedEx is once again proud to deliver this precious cargo.”
Animal care experts from Zoo Atlanta and NZCBI accompanied the pandas on both flights. The pandas were the only cargo on board, aside from essential supplies such as bamboo, water, and their favorite treats. Prior to their flights, the pandas were acclimated to their enclosures to ensure a safe and comfortable journey. Upon arrival in Chengdu, Lun Lun, Yang Yang, Ya Lun, and Xi Lun were greeted by their new keepers on the tarmac before being transferred to their new home at the Chengdu Research Base.