FedEx Express has launched a route which connects the FedEx APAC Hub in Guangzhou with the FedEx World Hub in Memphis for the first time.

According to FedEx, the flight is currently operated five times per week by a FedEx Express MD-11F, with stops in Osaka and Anchorage eastbound. From May 2018, the flight will be operated by a Boeing 777F, eliminating the stop in Anchorage.

On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, the westbound flight from Memphis stops in Indianapolis and Anchorage, while the Saturday flight stops in Honolulu and Anchorage.

“As our business continues to develop across the Asia-Pacific region, we constantly adjust our network and routings to better meet dynamic market needs,” said Karen Reddington, president of Asia Pacific at FedEx Express. “Adding volume and a faster, more direct connection to our Memphis World Hub will give Asia-Pacific businesses a stronger competitive advantage in connecting to customers in North America and beyond.”

The Asia-Pacific region is predicted to grow at a rate of 6.5% in 2018, 2% faster than the projected global growth rate. Boeing also forecasts that air cargo flowing from Asia to North America is expected to increase by 4.7% per year over the next 20 years.

Guangdong province is one of China’s major trade centres. The total import and export value of goods grew by 8% year-on-year in 2017, with the total import and export value with the US growing by 10.4% year-on-year.

FedEx Express launched two routes in 2017, one connecting Memphis and Liege, with stops in Seattle, Anchorage and Shanghai, and another linking Shanghai and Oakland.

FedEx Express also officially opened its Shanghai International Express and Cargo Hub earlier this year.

FedEx currently operates more than 250 flights per week in China, of which more than 160 go through the FedEx APAC Hub in Guangzhou.