Boeing has announced FedEx Express has ordered 27 767-300 Freighters and exercised existing options for two additional 777 Freighters.

The new 777 Freighters will support FedEx’s growth in the international cargo market.

The 767 Freighter will be a new model for the Memphis, Tennessee-based freight carrier’s fleet of more than 690 airplanes.

The addition of the 767 Freighters will enable FedEx to replace its less efficient, medium widebody cargo airplanes with freighters that provide fuel, maintenance and other cost savings.

“FedEx Express is one of the industry’s premier air-freight carriers,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes president Jim Albaugh.

“The way they have operated the 777 has demonstrated to the world its capabilities as a freighter.

“We are excited they have chosen to further expand their 777 fleet.

The 767 Freighter is based on the popular 767-300ER (extended range) passenger airplane.

Able to carry approximately 58 tons (52.7 tonnes) of revenue cargo with intercontinental range, the 767-300 Freighter is ideal for developing new long-haul, regional or feeder markets.

The 777 Freighter is the world’s longest range twin-engine freighter that can fly 4,900 nautical miles (9,070 kilometers) with a full payload. 

FedEx is the largest operator of 777 freighters with 17 aircraft in operation and with orders and options for an additional 41 aircraft.

This order builds on a record year for the 777 program bringing the 2011 net order total to 200 airplanes.