FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp, said it would first to take delivery of the giant Airbus A380-800F in August 2008 and the first to deploy the plane in service for its global customers.

"The A380 will play a significant role in our ongoing efforts to expand our networks and broaden our range of services," said Frederick Smith, chairman, president and CEO, FedEx Corp. "With its ability to provide greater network capacity with lower direct operating costs, the A380 will facilitate even more global trade, and the ultimate beneficiaries will be our customers, and future customers, around the world."

Delivery of the first A380 cargo plane will be followed by two more by the end of 2008, three more in 2009, three in 2010 and the 10th in 2011. FedEx also holds options for 10 additional aircraft.

"Manufacturers and suppliers already know that FedEx has the best network to help them benefit from the growing global economy. The addition of the A380 freighter further strengthens our capabilities to connect the world's supply chain to the global marketplace," Smith said.

During the first year of operation, the three FedEx planes will operate on long-range routes between FedEx hubs in Asia and North America. Additional routes from Europe to North America and Europe to Asia will be added as more aircraft are added to the fleet in coming years.

The A380 is capable of flying more than 150 metric tons within 1,100 cubic meters, and provides significantly lower direct operating costs than today's largest flying aircraft. The A380 Freighter, which has a range of about 11,100 km, will have ton/mile costs that are expected to be approximately 15 to 20% lower than the MD-11-the company's largest aircraft.