FedEx Retires 22 Boeing 757 Freighters

FedEx has announced its retired 22 Boeing 757-200 freighters as part of efforts to mitigate losses and respond to the evolving industry changes.

The freight operator confirmed its fourth quarter results in a press release, which included a USD 157 million noncash impairment charge following this decision.

Furthermore, the charge also included the retirement of seven related engines as the focus on modernising the air freight fleet continues.

FedEx believes that retiring 22 Boeing 757-200 Freighters will improve its overall network efficiency and align the air network capacity with anticipated demand levels.

The major freight operator has many Boeing 757 jets in its fleet, with many parked. The total number of 757s to its name sits at 118, but the number operating is much fewer with either aircraft parked or retired.

Fleet data shows that the company has 77 757Fs in service with 41 units listed as parked, per planespotters.net as of June 25, 2024.

Moreover, the Boeing 757 Freighter fleet isn’t getting any younger. Fleet data indicates this sits at an average age of over 33 years. However, broadly, the fleet also isn’t youthful, with the average total fleet age of 19 years for the 437 in-service aircraft recorded.

The Boeing 777Fs and 767Fs, however, are the youngest jet-engine-powered freighters, and the company believes that in the short to medium term, this is the answer to efficient operations.