Instead the new facility’s opening will be pushed back to mid-2009. FedEx said in a statement it expected the new hub, which was currently in the testing phase, to be fully operational in the first half of 2009.
FedEx stated that over the past several months, “significant” progress had been made in key areas, including construction, IT, employee training and the installation of the hub’s “unique” package and sorting system comprising 16 high-speed sorting lines, seven round-out conveyer belts and a total of 90 primary and secondary document-sorting splits. “This advanced system will enable FedEx to sort up to 24,000 packages an hour at the start of operations.”
FedEx said the new hub featured its own ramp control tower – a first for an international air express cargo company facility in China. “The ability to manage operations at the hub by controlling aircraft movements on the ground, aircraft parking plans and loading/unloading priorities will optimise efficiency and ensure operations are of the highest standard for FedEx.”
Until the Baiyun hub becomes operational, FedEx will continue to use its present regional hub in Subic Bay which has only half the capacity of the new Baiyun hub.