This week, FedEx Corporation (NYSE: FDX) transported six giant pandas between the United States and China on two separate flights. The roundtrip journey departed Atlanta, GA., arrived in Chengdu, China, where it delivered four pandas and then returned to Washington, D.C. with two pandas. The pandas traveled aboard a FedEx Boeing 777-F, known as the “FedEx Panda Express.”
Departing Atlanta, FedEx transported four giant pandas from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU). The FedEx Panda Express departed on October 12 and arrived in Chengdu on October 13. The four pandas aboard included 27-year-old female Lun Lun and 27-year-old male Yang Yang, who have resided at Zoo Atlanta since 1999, and their twin female offspring, Ya Lun and Xi Lun, born at Zoo Atlanta in 2016. They have now safely arrived at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.
On the return flight, FedEx transported two pandas from CTU 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 arrived at Dulles International Airport on October 15. From there, the pandas were taken by truck to NZCBI. The two pandas aboard included two-year-old male Bao Li and two-year-old female Qing Bao. Bao Li is the grandcub of Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, whom FedEx transported to China, along with their cub, Xiao Qi Ji, in November 2023.
For more than two decades, FedEx has worked with the Chinese government and zoos around the world to safely transport giant pandas to and from China. The company is committed to keeping supply chains moving and connecting communities around the world by enabling global trade. FedEx donated the transportation cost as part of its ongoing corporate social responsibility and environmental conservation efforts.
“Each giant panda move is special, and we’re always honored when selected as the trusted transportation provider,” said Richard W. Smith, chief operating officer, International, and chief executive officer, Airline, FedEx. “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 were on board the flights. The animals were the only cargo on both flights, aside from supplies including bamboo, water, and the pandas’ favorite treats.
Before their trips, the animals spent time getting familiar with their enclosures to ensure they were safe and comfortable during their journeys. Upon arrival in Chengdu, Lun Lun, Yang Yang, Ya Lun, and Xi Lun were met by their new keepers on the tarmac before moving to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.
Once they arrived in Washington, D.C., Bao Li and Qing Bao began their quarantine ahead of their public debut in January 2025.
Including these moves, FedEx has had the privilege of transporting 21 pandas to and from China. Previous FedEx Panda Express flights include:
2023: from USA to China
2023: from USA to China
2019: from USA to China
2017: from USA to China
2013: from China to Canada
2012: from China to France
2011: from China to Scotland
2010: from USA to China
2003: from China to USA
2000: from China to USA
