FedEx has successfully transported a 4-year-old male panda in a non-stop, specially chartered “FedEx Panda Express” from the United States capital to Chengdu in China.

Accompanied by one panda keeper and one veterinarian, the panda named Bei Bei, was placed in a special crate provided by FedEx and traveled onboard a custom-decaled FedEx Express 777 freighter nonstop from Washington’s Dulles International Airport to Chengdu with a supply of his favorite treats, including 66 pounds of bamboo, two pounds of apples and pears, two bags of leafeater biscuits, two pounds of cooked sweet potatoes and water.

“We are honoured to again be part of a truly special mission. The successful transportation of Bei Bei underscores the company’s commitment to safely and securely transporting even the world’s most precious cargo,” said Karen Reddington, president, Asia Pacific, FedEx Express.

“We are proud to have once again served as the trusted carrier, which is a testament to our operational strength and ability to handle highly sophisticated shipments that need special attention and requirements. We are looking forward to seeing Bei Bei adapt well to his new environment.” 

Prior to the flight, Bei Bei spent a month getting accustomed to the crate space for a comfortable journey in a familiar environment. Upon arrival in Chengdu, Bei Bei’s new keepers from the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda met him on the tarmac and drove him to Bifengxia Panda Base where he will stay in quarantine for approximately 30 days.

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s keeper will remain with Bei Bei for a short time as he acclimates to his new home in China.

The American logistics firm said it also provided logistical support in Washington, D.C. to deliver Bei Bei from the zoo to the airport.

Bei Bei's delivery is the eighth time that FedEx Express has transporting the giant panda in various parts of the world — USA to China, China to Toronto, China to Paris, China to Edinburgh, Washington, DC and Atlanta to China, China to Memphis, and China to Washington D.C.