FedEx Express begun operating a new flight linking the TNT European air hub in Liège (Belgium) to the FedEx Express World hub in Memphis in early April 2017.

From Memphis the aircraft will continue on a round-the-world flight to Shanghai via Seattle and Anchorage before returning to Liège.

The integrator says it is an important step in connecting the FedEx Express and TNT worldwide networks, which will give TNT customers around the globe direct access to the robust portfolio of FedEx Express services in the US and Canada.

FedEx Express president and chief executive officer, David Cunningham says: “This new flight by FedEx Express is a tangible example of the customer benefits that the acquisition of TNT will bring.

“By combining our strengths, particularly the FedEx Express air network and TNT’s strong European road capabilities and Liège hub, we will connect even more people and possibilities.”

FedEx Express will use Boeing 777 Freighters offering 116 tonnes of capacity for the Liège-Memphis service. Once in Memphis, the TNT volumes will be injected into the FedEx network for delivery across the US and Canada.

With this new flight, TNT customers shipping to North America will benefit from broader service coverage, faster transit times and higher weight capabilities, while continuing to work with TNT as they do today.

Other improvements include two day transit times for express shipments from Europe to US and Canada destinations, compared with two to four days previously and three day transit times to US and Canada destinations for express shipments from key locations in the Middle East, Africa and India.

And optional pre-noon delivery of express parcels and four-five day transit times for deferred shipments, and higher weight limits for express and deferred shipments of parcels and freight.

The service will also give more opportunities for customers in the US Pacific Northwest market, including reduced cost and increased capacity, with a one day transit time reduction for Shanghai perishable goods.

TNT chief executive officer and regional president for Europe at FedEx Express, David Binks says: “North America, and the US in particular, is Europe’s major trading partner. The introduction of a direct FedEx Express flight from Liège to Memphis is excellent news for TNT customers shipping to North America.

“It also reinforces the role of the TNT hub in Liège as a significant operation for the group, complementing the FedEx Express hubs at Paris Charles-de-Gaulle and Cologne airports.”