FedEx Express, announces the launch of a new dedicated B777F route connecting FedEx World Hub in Memphis, Tennessee to South Korea with four nonstop flights a week on March 28. Because the new route combines faster service with larger cargo capacity, FedEx can now deliver documents and packages from the U.S., Canada and select markets in Latin America to Seoul, South Korea in two to three business days. FedEx now also offers the fastest delivery of priority freight to Seoul from the U.S., Canada and select markets in Latin America. In 2010, US$38.8 billion of goods were exported from the U.S. to South Korea, a significant 35% rise year–on-year. FedEx has strategically placed the 777F into service to South Korea in order to meet growing demands across global markets and offer practical solutions for increased shipping needs. "Korea is the seventh-largest trading partner of the U.S. in terms of two-way trade which is expected to increase after final approval of the U.S. - Korea Free Trade Agreement," said Michael L. Ducker, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of FedEx Express. "Flying direct to South Korea supports export trade from the U.S., Canada and select markets in Latin America and helps put our customers' shipments from these locations into the South Korean market much faster." FedEx is a strong supporter of efforts to lower tariffs and barriers to international trade. With approval of the pending U.S. - Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS), the demand for goods and services is expected to rise between the U.S. and South Korea. According to the U.S. International Trade Commission, U.S. merchandise exports to Korea would likely increase by nearly $11 billion a year. The 777F is the world's largest twin-engine cargo aircraft. In typical FedEx operations, the 777 Freighter has a revenue payload capacity of 178,000 pounds (81 metric tons), and can fly 5,800 nautical miles-the equivalent of about 6,675 land miles or nearly three times the approximate distance between the east and west coasts of the U.S. This represents a payload improvement of 14,000 pounds and range improvement of 2,100 nautical miles over the MD-11, which had been the primary long-haul aircraft in the company's fleet. Over shorter ranges, the 777F has the capability of payloads up to 215,000 pounds. (fedex/mar)