Businesses in Northern Alberta are set to benefit from greater connectivity with markets around the world by increasing inbound and outbound air cargo capacity through Edmonton International Airport (EIA). In a demonstration of its commitment to Alberta’s flourishing economy, Federal Express Canada, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp, will upgrade its international freight services between Edmonton and its World Hub in Memphis, Tennessee with the deployment of a widebodied Airbus 310-300F.

The switch from a Boeing 757-200 represents an increase in air cargo capacity of more than 1,600 cubic feet, or an additional 20,000 kg of daily freight. This is a big step for Edmonton International Airport as FedEx Canada will offer the sole widebodied all-cargo freight service into the Alberta Airport. The route will be upgraded from early January 2013 and flights will operate every weekday.

“FedEx Express Canada has tremendous confidence in the economy of Northern Alberta,” said Lisa Lisson, president, FedEx Express Canada. “This upgrade in cargo capacity signifies to all businesses and consumers our determination to provide industry-leading convenience and connectivity between Edmonton and the rest of the world.”

Edmonton is exceptionally well-positioned to develop as a strategic freight centre. By air, it is Canada’s most northern major international airport at the intersection of existing global air routes. For ocean-borne cargo it is the closest major city to the fastest growing port in North America (Prince Rupert), and with two Class 1 railways, Canadian National and Canadian Pacific, it offers rail connectivity throughout the continent to points as far east as the port of Halifax, to the south to the cargo hub of Memphis.