The cargo airline FedEx Express plans to cut around 6.300 employees in Europe. This step is related to the upcoming integration of the TNT Express network. In future, the plan is to concentrate on the Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Liège hubs.

The group stated in a press release that the "dual hub concept" that has been practiced in the USA for decades will now also be implemented in Europe. In the United States, FedEx Express has cargo hubs in Memphis and Indianapolis. In this context, the carrier will need significantly fewer staff. Up to 6.300 jobs are to be cut within the next few months.

“We understand that while our intended changes are absolutely necessary to get us on the right track, our team members, especially in Liège, will be concerned about the future. We will do all we can to conduct these consultations constructively, with an attitude of working together and caring for those affected. Moving to a dual hub model is a strategic advantage for us: improving the competitiveness of our express business, providing flexibility and enhancing our growth opportunities, ”said Dave Canvan, Europe Chief Operating Officer at FedEx Express.

Older MD-10 freighters are being phased out

There will also be changes in the area of ​​the fleet, as the McDonnell Douglas MD-10F machine type is to be phased out. First of all, the five MD-10-10Fs, which are due to leave the fleet in the course of 2021, are going to be hit. These bring it to a proud age of 45,4 years and are converted McDonnell Douglas DC-10s.

The remaining MD-10-30F are also to be decommissioned. This year three units will leave the fleet and the remaining ten units in the coming year. The average age of these machines is 38,6 years. According to the current information, the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 should remain in operation until at least 2016.