Special Cargo: Two Giant Pandas Land in Atlanta on VIP Flight from China

Two giant pandas, Ping Ping, a six-year-old male, and Fu Shuang, a five-year-old female, arrived in Atlanta, Georgia after a special air journey from Chengdu, China.

The two were flown to the United States on a FedEx cargo plane, which was dedicated entirely to transporting them, as part of the ongoing collaboration between the shipping company and Zoo Atlanta.

During the direct flight from China to Atlanta, the pandas were housed in specially constructed transport crates, accompanied by zoo professionals who took care of their needs along the way. They were the only cargo on the plane, and in addition to the transport crates, the plane was also loaded with fresh bamboo, water, and a variety of their favorite snacks.

Two giant pandas arrived in Atlanta on a special FedEx flight. Photo: FedEx

Transporting pandas requires special logistical preparations. Before the flight, Ping Ping and Fu Shuang spent time adapting to the transport crates made for them to ensure safe, comfortable travel.

After landing in Atlanta, the pair were taken to the zoo, where they will undergo a period of acclimatization and isolation before being released to the public later this year. FedEx also handled their ground transportation from the airport to the zoo.

More Than Two Decades of Transporting Pandas

FedEx has worked with the Chinese government and zoos around the world for decades to transport pandas, and the company said it is covering the full cost of the current shipment as part of its corporate responsibility and environmental stewardship efforts.

“We have had the privilege and responsibility to transport giant pandas for more than two decades,” said Richard W. Smith, vice president of international operations and general manager of FedEx Air. “Every time we embark on a mission like this, our team understands the importance and significance of transporting these special animals. The safe arrival of Ping Ping and Fu Shuang to their new home in Atlanta underscores our long-standing commitment to wildlife conservation and the ability of our global network to safely transport critically important cargo.”

Two giant pandas arrived in Atlanta on a special FedEx flight. Photo: FedEx

According to FedEx, since 2000, the company has transported 23 pandas to and from China, as part of collaborations with institutions around the world and wildlife conservation efforts.

The arrival of Ping Ping and Fu Shuang continues the collaboration between FedEx and Zoo Atlanta, and international efforts to conserve the giant panda population.

Two giant pandas arrived in Atlanta on a special FedEx flight. Photo: FedEx

As a reminder, in August, Qatar Airways Cargo revealed the operation behind a similarly interesting wildlife transportation mission that successfully relocated six beluga whales across international borders.

Beluga whales. Photo: Shutterstock

Earlier this year, Air France Cargo also organized the transport of Layish, a five-year-old rescued lion, from Paris to South Africa. The wild animal was released into the SanWild Wildlife Sanctuary.

Photo: Shutterstock