FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corporation, is increasing its operation at its new North Pacific regional hub at Kansai airport in Osaka, Japan to serve as a major cargo link between East and West.
FedEx Express plans to upgrade its facility at Kansai airport in Osaka, Japan to enable more shipments between Asia and the US and Europe.
The new facility started operations in the second quarter with the capacity to sort up to 9,000 packages per hour, said Asia-Pacific president David Cunningham.
The aim for the centre is to be a consolidation and transshipment point for shipments between Asia and the US, allowing customers greater access to and from markets in Asia-Pacific, the Americas and Europe.
In addition to several direct flights to the US, a new route to Indianapolis in the US has been added.
For delivery to Europe, there are regular flights to Paris via Narita airport in Tokyo. The new hub will continue to fulfil its role handling international cargo for the region.
The centre's expanded operations around the clock will allow it to respond more quickly and flexibly to customer needs.
Asia-Pacific continues to play an important role in US trade, with Japan, China and South Korea three of the country's top 10 trading partners, accounting for more than one-fifth of total US trade last year.
FedEx also a strong operation in Thailand.
"For FedEx, the North Pacific regional hub not only provides us with greater operational flexibility but also allows us to offer our customers in Japan and Asia-Pacific access to regional and global trade opportunities through our strong network," said Mr Cunningham.
Covering 39,500 square metres, the hub incorporates connected offices and cargo sheds, an in-house customs unit, ramp operation, and cargo sorting and transshipment capabilities.
In particular, to better serve the increasingly diverse transportation needs of the healthcare industry, which is a key focus for FedEx, the facility is equipped with freezers and refrigerators to enable cargo handling across a wide range of temperatures.
Some 25,800 square metres of the facility’s roof area is affixed with solar panels. FedEx is cooperating with New Kansai International Airport Co in its efforts to become an eco-friendly airport.