FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) and the world’s largest express transportation company, today celebrates the 40th anniversary of its inaugural scheduled transatlantic service. On June 15, 1985, a fleet of seven Federal Express Boeing 727s took to the skies, establishing vital air links between New York, London, and Brussels, a key moment in redefining global commerce and connectivity.
14 years on from when it was first founded in Little Rock, Arkansas, FedEx cleared service between the US, and major cities in Western Europe. The establishment of FedEx’s transatlantic route wasn’t just about moving packages; it was about laying the groundwork for an era of unprecedented economic integration. Faxes were phased out, PCs appeared, and air freight of everything from pharmaceuticals to machine parts and perishable foods flourished.
FedEx’s rise from humble beginnings to industry titan is nothing short of remarkable. Back in 1973, FedEx kicked off operations delivering 186 packages. Fast forward to today, FedEx stands strong as a global network handling over 17 million shipments every single day.
Operationally, FedEx’s footprint has expanded dramatically. From initially serving just 25 U.S. cities in 1973, FedEx now connects more than 220 countries and territories, bridging continents, and enabling a level of global commerce previously unimaginable. Behind this extraordinary growth stands a dedicated workforce that has scaled from 389 employees to a global team of over 500,000, powering FedEx’s unwavering commitment to flexibility, efficiency, and intelligence in a world that’s always on the move.
Wouter Roels, regional president of FedEx Europe comments: “In 1985, the concept of rapid, reliable transatlantic shipping was just coming to the fore, as groundbreaking as the first commercial internet connections that would soon follow. Our commitment to connecting Europe and North America then, and now, has played a crucial role in the evolution of modern supply chains. Just as personal computers began to revolutionise offices, the FedEx effect established the physical infrastructure to allow the global trade we all rely on today to flourish.”
Today, FedEx’s integrated air and road network in Europe is expanded significantly, reflecting how global trade has evolved. With two air hubs, and 28 road hubs connecting 45 countries daily, FedEx efficiently sorts an average of 2 million packages daily across its 500+ pick-up and delivery stations in Europe.
FedEx’s leading next-day transatlantic capabilities connect 90% of Europe to most US business centres, offering customers choice in delivery times for global shipments, and providing agility for their own business operations. European e-commerce traders particularly benefit from day-definite international shipping services, balancing speed with attractive prices, and the offer of a dedicated regional freight service across 22 countries for less urgent packages.
“The transatlantic trade relationship continues to be a cornerstone of the global economy,” Roels adds. “While the dynamics have certainly evolved – from the rise of e-commerce to the focus on sustainable logistics – our mission remains the same: to provide certainty in an uncertain world. We are proud to have been a part of European trade for four decades, and look forward to facilitating ever greater growth, and innovation in the years to come.”
