40 Years of Fun Facts - FedEx

40 Years of Fun Facts - FedEx

FedEx has been in business for 40 years. To celebrate, we’ve compiled some of the most unique and unusual moments in our collective corporate history. We bet you didn’t know that…

•     FedEx used 389 Federal Express employees and 14 Dassault Falcon jets to deliver 186 packages overnight to 25 U.S. cities on its first day in business.
•     FedEx helped bring Jaws to life by carrying the star, a 13-foot tiger shark from Florida, in a 15-foot casket to Martha’s Vineyard, Mass., where the film was shot, in 1974.
•     FedEx Express transported 630 tons (504,000 bottles) of 2004 Beaujolais Nouveau wine from Lyon-Saint-Exupery Airport to Japanese enthusiasts anticipating the annual uncorking on November 18, 2004.
•     FedEx Canada diverted an aircraft to the small community of Goose Bay in Newfoundland and Labrador to rescue 60 puppies and delivered them to Halifax, Nova Scotia where they found new homes.
•     After three five-week-old orphaned cougar kittens were found by a Duvall, Wash. homeowner in 2004, FedEx worked with the Memphis Zoo to transport them to their new home.
•     In 1985, RPS Inc. (now FedEx Ground) is founded in Pittsburgh, PA and introduces bar code labeling to the ground transportation industry.
•     Seventeen classic Ferraris, worth millions of dollars, were shipped via FedEx from Brussels to the U.S. for a car show.
•     Since 2005, FedEx Freight has delivered over 120,000 live Christmas trees to military troops and their families across the U.S.
•     FedEx installed its very first drop-box in 1975.
•     Fedex.com’s interNetShip made FedEx the first company to allow customers to process shipments online.
•     FedEx transported 127 crates of historic Machu Picchu artifacts from Newark, N.J. to Lima, Peru to be displayed in their new museum home.
•     FedEx Freight shipped the 3,000 lb. Spirit of Liberty Bell from Bryn Mawr, Penn., to Fort Hood, Texas, for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation.
•     In 1913, C.J. Tower & Sons – the forerunner of FedEx Trade Networks—began operations as a customs broker in Niagara Falls, N.Y.
•     FedEx Custom Critical moved 70,000 sea turtle eggs from the oil-threatened Gulf Coast to an incubation facility at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, FL where the hatchlings were later released into the Atlantic Ocean.
•     The first FedEx Office (formerly FedEx Kinko’s) store, which opened in Santa Barbara, Calif., in 1970, was so small that the copier was rolled out on the sidewalk during busy times to accommodate walk-up customers.
•     FedEx transported the yacht for the U.S. Paralympic Sailing Team from the East Coast to Sydney, Australia, for the 2000 Paralympic Games.
•     In 1981 Federal Express introduced the Overnight Letter.
•     FedEx transported the “Phoenix” capsule, a device used to aid in the rescue of 33 miners who were trapped for nearly ten weeks in a Chilean mine. Following the rescue, the capsule toured the globe before returning to Santiago, Chile.
•     Two giant pandas, Le Le and Ya Ya, made their way to the Memphis Zoo from China via a custom-painted FedEx MD-11 jet, which was renamed "The FedEx PandaExpress" during the 15-hour journey.
•     There are 365 hybrid-electric vehicles in FedEx’s fleet. Since hitting the road in 2004, 300,000 gallons of fuel have been saved.
•     FedEx shipped a windmill from Denmark.
•     FedEx transported Russian Empress Catherine the Great's collection of historic artifacts from St. Petersburg to Memphis for a special exhibition.
•     A Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopter weighing 11,000 lbs. was shipped via FedEx to Narita, Japan.
•     In 2003, FedEx Express and FedEx Home Delivery teamed to deliver over 400,000 copies of “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” to eager readers.
•     FedEx transported an eight-ton statue of Filipino war hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal, who inspired the 1896 revolution against Spanish domination, from the Philippines to Spain.
•     A four-ton high press water drill and 5,700 lbs. of rescue equipment were flown to Midland, Texas, by FedEx to aid in the rescue of 18-month-old Jessica McClure from a well in 1987.
•     FedEx shipped a five-ton communications satellite from Los Angeles to a remote site in China.
•     FedEx Freight driver Don Logan was crowned National Grand Champion at the 2012 National Truck Driving Championships.
•     FedEx shipped a table owned by Vincent van Gogh from Auvers-sur-Oise, France to Basel, Switzerland where it was part of an exhibition.
•     FedEx shipped a delectable three-tonne shipment of a chocolate replica of the Notre-Dame Cathedral from the Salon du Chocolat show in Paris to the Chocolate Show Event in New York.
•     FedEx Carbon-Neutral Envelope Shipping was introduced at no cost to consumers to help improve the carbon footprint not only at FedEx, but also for customers’ businesses.
•     The first color copier used by FedEx Office (formerly FedEx Kinko’s) was at a center in Topeka, KS. It was operated by the one and only person trained to do so – a blind man.
•     In 1987, FedEx Canada was the first Canadian courier to use dedicated airlift.
•     FedEx shipped a giant snowball from Wisconsin to a lucky child in Memphis.
•     FedEx specially-chartered an Airbus A310 to return 19 penguins and two sea otters to the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas after an eight-month refuge in California following Hurricane Katrina.
•     The FedEx hub in Oakland relies heavily on solar power for its energy use. FedEx unveiled one of California's largest corporate solar-power installations at its Oakland Hub in 2005. Today the 904-kilowatt solar array provides approximately 80 percent of the peak load demand for the facility and adds nearly one megawatt of zero-pollution electric generating capacity to the city of Oakland
•     In 2005, FedEx launched around the world flights-Eastbound and Westbound-to provide faster, better connectivity to the major markets around the world.    
•     FedEx transported 90 tons of stranded materials for the "Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition," including a 3,000 pound piece of the ship's hull, from Milan, Italy, to Atlanta, Ga., via a FedEx Express MD-11 in 2006.
•     FedEx Ground handled the just-in-time shipment of 164,000 Monopoly: Here & Now games to East Longmeadow, Mass., for Hasbro in 2006.
•     In 2005 FedEx Office took on a job from Wal-Mart that “couldn’t be done” - to produce 6.4 million black and white fliers in a matter of two days? FedEx Office made the impossible possible and delivered all 6.4 million copies to the world’s largest retailer just in time.

Source: http://about.van.fedex.com/40-years-fun-facts

World’s largest aircraft: Five interesting facts about the Antonov AN-225

World’s largest aircraft: Five interesting facts about the Antonov AN-225

Renowned as the largest aircraft in the world, the Antonov AN-225 Mriya (meaning Dream in Ukrainian) has always received red-carpet attention whenever it makes an appearance.

Be it upon arrival or departure, the AN-225 is constantly pursued by aircraft enthusiasts and plane spotters every time it makes a landing or take-off

There are even websites where fans of the AN-225 closely watch and exchange information on the whereabouts of the freighter aircraft.

So, what makes the Antonov AN-225 Mriya so interesting? Here are the five most interesting facts about the freighter:

1. For over 25 years, the AN-225 has held the title of the biggest commercially used freighter in the world. Powered by six turbofan engines, it is the biggest heavier-than-air aircraft in terms of length (85.3m) and wingspan (88m) in operational service. It is able of carrying up to 250 tons of cargo, which is equivalent to the average weight of 52 mature elephants.

2. There is only one operational AN-225 in the world.

3. The Ukrainian plane manufacturer Antonov developed the AN-225 during the Cold War in the 1980’s to airlift (in a piggyback fashion) the Buran spacecraft for the Soviet space program. The maiden flight took place on 21 December 1988 and six months later the AN-225, with the Buran atop, was presented for the first time in the west at the Paris Air Show in 1989.

4. The AN-225 is an extension of the successful Antonov AN-124 Ruslan freight aircraft – the hull and the wingspan were both extended by 15m. The plan was to build an extended version of the AN-225 freighter with eight engines, but the project named AN-325 has not been realised. The AN-225 is currently the only commercial freighter powered by six engines.

5. The AN-225 has set over 200 world records, including airlifting the world’s heaviest cargo, and the world’s longest cargo.

Exclusively used for charter flights, Chapman Freeborn has performed many successful airfreight projects with the AN-225, delivering reliable air cargo charter solutions for our clients. We have organised the first transatlantic flight from Frankfurt-Hahn to Toronto, as well as the first commercial flight of the AN-225 to South America in 2010.

Find out more about Chapman Freeborn’s AN-225 cargo charters here:

• Chapman Freeborn and NATCO organize first ever Antonov AN-225 charter from Zurich
• Chapman Freeborn and ACI charter Antonov AN-225 to deliver outsize cargo
• Chapman Freeborn charters first AN-225 to South America

Source: http://www.chapman-freeborn.com

10 Most Exciting Airports in the World

Airports are often an after-thought; a place to waste time while you wait for your plane to arrive. But, what if your airport was so nice that it almost seemed like a mini-vacation? It may not get rid of your frustration the next time your plane is delayed, but it may make your wait a little less painful. While some make the list because of added luxuries, others make it because of their unique locations or thrilling landings. Here’s a list of ten airports that are guaranteed to thrill.

1. Singapore Changi Airport

The airport has everything a traveler could desire — from a synthetic ice skating rink to a historical museum. According to the Washington Post, Singapore Changi Airport received the world’s best airport award, as well as an award for being the best airport in Asia and best airport for leisure amenities. The airport has more than 100 international airlines flying to 220 cities in about 60 countries and territories worldwide. “Besides the ice-skating rink, Changi also has wellness centers, more than 300 retail outlets, and a butterfly garden,” the Washington Post writes.

Children skate on a synthetic ice rink set against a backdrop of Moscow’s St. Basil’s Cathedral and State Historical Museum at the Changi International Airport in Singapore. Not only did Changi receive the coveted award of being the world’s best airport, but it also won the best airport in Asia and best airport for leisure amenities.” Besides the ice-skating rink, Changi also has wellness centers, more than 300 retail outlets and a butterfly garden.

2. Hong Kong International Airport

This business-focused airport provides numerous passenger lounges, restaurants, and business center facilities. In 2012, 56.5 million passengers used the airport, according to Economic Times. Hong Kong International is ranked in the top five for dining, shopping, cleanliness and leisure amenities. Killing some time in between flights? Enjoy the airport’s nine-hole golf course.

3. Eagle County Regional Airport

The airport in Vail, Colorado, is ranked as one of the most thrilling airports, according to Airfare Watchdog. The weather and surrounding conditions make this airport one of the more exciting ones in the world — for both travelers and workers. Pilot David Cenciotti says “poor weather, high approach, and high surrounding terrain make this airport a bit challenging. Westward departures have high clearance altitudes due to nearby mountains.”

4. Amsterdam Schiphol

While travelers wait for their flight, they can enjoy a massage, visit the airport library, or play a game of poker at the casino. Schiphol also provides its 51 million passengers per year great dining and shopping options, according to Business Insider.

5. Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport

The Caribbean Island airport makes the list for its thrilling landings. “The Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport allows no room for pilot error: If he or she goes even a little bit too far when trying to land, the plane will end up in the ocean below,” according to Airfare Watchdog. “The windy, mountainous terrain makes for a hard-to-accomplish landing.”

6. Zurich Airport

Zurich is ranked as a top airport for baggage delivery, according to Business Insider. The airport ranks as the largest in Switzerland and provides guests with an underground, automated train. Don’t want to deal with luggage? This airport lets travelers pay a fee to have their bags picked up from anywhere in the airport and have them delivered to their final destination.

7. Incheon International Airport

“Incheon International boasts a museum, many shops an observation deck and at least five gardens,” according to the Washington Post. “The airport also received awards for having the best staff service in Asia and for being the best international transit airport.” The airport is the largest in South Korea and also has a huge selection of restaurants and shopping outlets.

8. Gibraltar Airport

The airport in the British territory of Gibraltar makes the list for its runway that runs close to a major highway. “You might feel like you’re at a railroad crossing when traveling through Gibraltar Airport,” writes Airfare Watchdog. “The peninsula’s only runway is perpendicular to a major highway leading into Spain.”

9. Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport, Tokyo)

This rapidly growing airport has won awards for terminal cleanliness and best domestic airport, and took second place for best immigration service, according to Business Insider. This major airport provides hotel rooms for travelers, a banquet hall, rental conference rooms and plenty of restaurants and shopping.

10. Heathrow Airport

Have you been hoping to fit in some time at the spa? This London airport contains day spas as well as a restaurant that was opened by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, the Washington Post writes. This airport recently underwent an $8.6 billion renovation and provides dazzling architecture and scenery to the many visitors it sees each day.

SOURCES

http://www.changiairport.com

http://www.washingtonpost.com

http://www.hongkongairport.com

http://www.airfarewatchdog.com

http://www.airport.kr

http://www.gibraltarairport.gi

Can U.S. Factories Stay Strong In A Weaker World?

Can U.S. Factories Stay Strong In A Weaker World?

By JED GRAHAM, INVESTOR'S BUSINESS DAILY

U.S. manufacturing continued to hum in November even as activity in other major economies was static — or worse.

The question dividing economists is whether the U.S. can maintain its outsized strength amid weak global growth and a rising dollar.

The Institute for Supply Management's index of U.S. factory activity barely eased from a 3-1/2-year high of 59 in October to a still-lofty 58.7 last month, far above the neutral 50 level.

Some details were even more impressive than the headline number. A gauge of new orders rose to 66 from 65.8. Backlogs and exports also improved.

Output dipped only slightly to 64.4 from 64.8 in October. The weakest part of the report was actually good news, as an index of prices paid by producers for raw materials sank by 9 points to 44.5, at least in part a reflection of lower oil prices.

The vigorous U.S. manufacturing report card sharply contrasted with the data from around the world. Markit's eurozone purchasing managers index fell to 50.1, barely above stall speed, with the new orders subindex at 48.7, signalling a third straight contraction. Separate gauges of activity in Germany, France and Italy all came in south of 50.

A Little Help Here?

In China, a government PMI eased to an eight-month low of 50.3 last month, below forecasts for 50.6 as well as October's 50.8. It came despite stimulus efforts from China's central bank.

The final reading on the private-sector HSBC/Markit PMI confirmed activity cooled to a six-month low of 50, while the reading of factory output slipped to a seven-month low of 49.5.

HSBC's economics team warned that the data in China could get worse: "We think growth still faces significant downward pressures," with uncertainties tied to the property market and export sector.

In Brazil, manufacturing contracted at a faster pace, dropping to a 16-month low of 48.7 from 49.1. In Japan, where a falling yen is offsetting a drop in input prices and domestic demand has been stuck in a rut, the PMI slowed to 52 from 52.4.

Amid lackluster activity around the world, U.S. strength looks unsustainable in the short term, said Michael Montgomery, U.S. economist at IHS Global Insight.

"U.S. final demand is not growing that rapidly," he said, pointing to the pace of inventory accumulation as a big reason for the recent manufacturing gains.

While lower oil prices are a plus for the consumer, Montgomery said a good part of that stimulus is offset by higher prices at the supermarket and the potential that oil companies will curb their drilling activity.

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Top 10 Happiest Countries in the World

How happy are you? 

What about the people around you — do they usually seem to have smiles on their faces? 

Your environment plays a role in your overall mood and your outlook on life. Thus, factors that can determine a country’s level of happiness include government, income, and mental health. 

Ready to find out if your country has made the list? 

Here’s the top 10 happiest countries.

1. Costa Rica

According to the Travel Channel, Costa Rica is the happiest country on Earth. It’s army-free, citizens have a life expectancy of 79.3, and they’re surrounded by a beautiful setting that’s sure to improve any mood. Expect beaches, volcanoes, rain forests, and pretty great weather most of the time. “Pura vida” is a local saying there, meaning “life is good.”

2. Norway

This Scandinavian nation ranked No. 1 overall on the Legatum Institute’s Prosperity Index for the fifth straight year in 2013, writes Forbes. It also had leading scores in the economy and social capital sub-indexes. What does it offer that makes citizens so happy? “The biggest bump comes from having the world’s highest per capita GDP of $53,000 a year. Norwegians have the second highest level of satisfaction with their standards of living; 95 percent say they are satisfied with the freedom to choose the direction of their lives; an unparalleled 74 percent say other people can be trusted,” NBC News says.

3. Denmark

The United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network released a survey in 2013, which took a look at happiness in countries, and Denmark was the winner. According to the Huffington Post, Denmark supports parents and families by allowing them additional time for parental leave. Danish citizens also receive healthcare as a basic right, gender equality is prioritized, biking is considered the norm, and citizens feel a responsibility toward one another. Add those together, and you have one happy country.

4. Vietnam

“Did you think Thailand, the Land of Smiles, might have the highest HPI score in Asia? According to the HPI, Vietnam is actually the happiest country in Asia. A resilient and growing nation, Vietnam has become a major tourist destination over the last 20 years,” says the Travel Channel. Vietnamese citizens appreciate what they have, leading to a high satisfaction level. The country also offers quiet beaches, booming cities, and great food.

5. Canada

This nation scores first in personal freedom and third in education, according to Forbes. What makes the country so happy? A long life expectancy, high average income, and robust social ties. Surprisingly, cold winter weather also helps bring smiles to Canadian faces.

6. Colombia

Great coffee and the second highest number of national holidays leave Columbian citizens feeling pleased, the Travel Channel says. The country also has a lot of biodiversity, providing beautiful ecosystems thanks to its climate zones that include rain forests, savannas, steppe, deserts, and mountain climates.

7. The Netherlands

Due to a strong job market and good work-life balance, Dutch people rate themselves as some of the most satisfied in the world. According to Bloomberg, the country has a life satisfaction score of 9.

8. Belize

Wouldn’t you constantly be happy if you were surrounded by the largest barrier reef in the world, a relaxed Caribbean lifestyle, and a somewhat perfect climate? That’s what Belize citizens get to enjoy every day. On top of that, the country is known for its cultural diversity, making for a happy and harmonious place to live, Travel Channel says.

9. Sweden

This nation leads in entrepreneurship and opportunity, writes Forbes, making for a great environment for those hoping to start their own business. Startup costs are typically low, and a high level of interpersonal trust and an individualistic social culture contribute to this country’s overall level of happiness.

10. El Salvador

“Even though this country is overshadowed by neighboring Guatemala and Mexico as a hot tourist destination, locals are content with what they have: friendly neighbors, hearty comfort food like yummy pupusas and chicharron, and under-the-radar beaches,” says the Travel Channel. As an added bonus, while El Salvador has a bad rap for gang violence, a truce has helped dropped the number of incidents.

SOURCES

http://www.travelchannel.com

http://www.forbes.com

http://unsdsn.org/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com

http://www.nbcnews.com

http://www.bloomberg.com

World Sea Ports by Country

World Ports by Country

A
Albania (4) Algeria (17) American Samoa (1) Angola (16)	Anguilla (1) Antigua and Barbuda (1) Argentina (55) Aruba (3)	Australia (106) Austria (4) Azerbaijan (1)
B
Bahamas (7) Bahrain (2) Bangladesh (4) Barbados (1) Belarus (1)	Belgium (8) Belize (1) Benin (1) Bermuda (3)	Bolivia (1) Brazil (81) Brunei Darussalam (1) Bulgaria (2)
C
Cambodia (2) Cameroon (1) Canada (239) Cape Verde (7) Cayman Islands (2) Central African Republic (1) Chile (46)	China (172) Christmas Island (1) Colombia (15) Comoros (3) Congo, Democratic Republic of (3) Congo, Republic of (4) Cook Islands (1)	Costa Rica (6) Cote D'Ivoire (4) Croatia (34) Cuba (37) Cyprus (4) Czech Republic (2)
D
Denmark (159) Djibouti (1)	Dominica (3)	Dominican Republic (14)
E
Ecuador (9) Egypt (28)	El Salvador (3) Equatorial Guinea (9)	Eritrea (2) Estonia (26)
F
Falkland Islands (Malvinas) (7) Faroe Islands (4) Fiji (5)	Finland (60) France (159)	French Guiana (5) French Polynesia (7)
G
Gabon (6) Gambia (1) Georgia (4) Germany (98) Ghana (4)	Gibraltar (1) Greece (103) Greenland (22) Grenada (1) Guadeloupe (3)	Guam (1) Guatemala (5) Guinea (2) Guinea-Bissau (2) Guyana (6)
H
Haiti (11) Honduras (6)	Hong Kong (2)	Hungary (1)
I
Iceland (31) India (76) Indonesia (154)	Iran (9) Iraq (4) Ireland (49)	Israel (5) Italy (311)
J
Jamaica (15)	Japan (292)	Jordan (3)
Top
K
Kazakhstan (5) Kenya (3)	Kiribati (3) Korea, North (8)	Korea, South (16) Kuwait (3)
L
Latvia (6) Lebanon (2)	Liberia (4) Libya (15)	Lithuania (1)
M
Macau (1) Madagascar (11) Malaysia (25) Maldives (1) Malta (2) Marshall Islands (2)	Martinique (3) Mauritania (2) Mauritius (1) Mexico (42) Micronesia, Federated States of (2) Monaco (1)	Montenegro (1) Montserrat (2) Morocco (15) Mozambique (5) Myanmar (5)
N
Namibia (2) Nauru (1) Netherlands (24) Netherlands Antilles (7)	New Caledonia (7) New Zealand (25) Nicaragua (7) Niger (1)	Nigeria (12) Northern Mariana Islands (3) Norway (79)
O
Oman (7)
P
Pakistan (3) Panama (13) Papua New Guinea (19)	Paraguay (4) Peru (33) Philippines (62)	Poland (12) Portugal (29) Puerto Rico (22)
Q
Qatar (6)
R
Reunion (2)	Romania (18)	Russia (105)
S
Saint Kitts and Nevis (2) Saint Lucia (4) Saint Vincent and The Grenadines (5) Samoa (1) Sao Tome and Principe (2) Saudi Arabia (18) Senegal (4) Serbia (1) Seychelles (1)	Sierra Leone (3) Singapore (2) Slovakia (Slovak Republic) (1) Slovenia (3) Solomon Islands (12) Somalia (4) South Africa (10) South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (1) Spain (105)	Sri Lanka (4) St. Helena (1) St. Pierre and Miquelon (2) Sudan (3) Suriname (2) Svalbard (3) Sweden (82) Switzerland (5) Syria (5)
T
Taiwan (6) Tanzania (13) Thailand (20) Timor-Leste (1) Togo (2)	Tokelau (3) Tonga (3) Trinidad and Tobago (11) Tunisia (8)	Turkey (50) Turkmenistan (1) Turks and Caicos Islands (3) Tuvalu (1)
U
Ukraine (18) United Arab Emirates (9)	United Kingdom (389) United States (532)	United States Minor Outlying Islands (3) Uruguay (10)
V
Vanuatu (2) Venezuela (38)	Vietnam (15) Virgin Islands (British) (2)	Virgin Islands (U.S.) (5)
Y
Yemen (8)