FedEx Vs. UPS: Which Cargo Carrier Operates The Most Widebodies?

Fedex Express and UPS Airlines are two of the largest cargo carriers in the world, both by fleet size and in terms of freight volume flown. Together, they dominate the air cargo market, although relative newcomers such as Amazon Air are also beginning to stake their claim. Both FedEx Express and UPS Airlines operate a significant number of widebody aircraft, ranging from the Airbus A300-600RF to the mighty Boeing 747-8F.

In this article, we will use data from ch-aviation to take a look at the widebody fleets of both FedEx Express and UPS Airlines to see which carrier operates the most aircraft. We will also consider the role that widebody aircraft play in each carrier’s operation and future fleet plans, as well as the wider air cargo industry in 2025.

About FedEx Express

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FedEx Express is the world’s largest cargo airline by fleet size, serving as the air delivery arm of FedEx Corporation. With a fleet of almost 400 aircraft, FedEx Express delivers parcels and freight to more than 375 airports in over 220 countries worldwide, playing a vital role in connecting global markets and enabling fast, reliable commerce globally.

Founded by Frederick W. Smith in 1971, FedEx Express commenced operations in 1973 with a revolutionary concept of overnight delivery using a hub-and-spoke model. This innovation revolutionized the logistics industry, enabling the guarantee of fast delivery times across long distances. Today, the carrier continues to use this model with its primary hub at Memphis International Airport (MEM) and major regional hubs at Indianapolis International Airport (IND), Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport (CDG), and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN).

FedEx Express relies on a global workforce comprising pilots, maintenance crews, air traffic coordinators, logistics professionals, and others to ensure operational performance, safety, and efficiency. The carrier also uses advanced weather systems, real-time tracking, and routing optimization tools to ensure minimal delays and high reliability.

Just like for many airlines around the world, sustainability is a growing focus for FedEx Express. The carrier has committed to achieving carbon-neutral operations by 2040, and is investing in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and modernizing its ground operations to reduce emissions.

FedEx Express’s Widebody Fleet

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FedEx Express operates a total of 382 aircraft, of which 295 are widebody aircraft, making it one of the largest widebody freighter fleets in the world. This fleet includes the Boeing 777F, 767-300F, Airbus A300-600RF, and McDonnell Douglas MD-11F, although the latter is being phased out, albeit slowly. The Boeing 777F offers a maximum payload of around 233,000 lbs and a range capable of covering long-haul routes, making it ideal for connecting key global hubs with fewer stops and shorter transit times.

The Boeing 767-300F, with a payload capacity of around 127,000 lbs, also serves as a versatile and fuel-efficient option for medium-range routes, particularly in Europe and North America. Meanwhile, the carrier’s Airbus A300-600RFs, though an older model, still play an active role in the fleet by serving high-volume routes where its payload of just over 106,000 lbs is sufficient.

As part of its modernization efforts, FedEx Express has continued to invest in new aircraft orders, including additional Boeing 767-300Fs and 777Fs, many of which are powered by General Electric CF6 engines. These investments demonstrate the carrier’s dedication to enhancing operational efficiency, reducing emissions, and ensuring global reliability. The number of each aircraft in the carrier’s fleet is outlined in the table below:

FedEx Express’s remaining fleet consists of 87 Boeing 757-200SFs, of which the cargo carrier is also the world’s largest operator. These aircraft have been converted from passenger aircraft.

About UPS Airlines

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UPS Airlines is the air cargo division of United Parcel Service (UPS), one of the world’s largest logistics companies. Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, UPS Airlines operates a vast global network that enables the fast movement of packages and freight across six continents. With a fleet of over 290 aircraft and a route network spanning more than 300 worldwide destinations, UPS Airlines is a key player in the world of commerce, e-commerce, and supply chain management.

Founded in 1988, UPS Airlines was established to meet the growing demand for time-sensitive delivery services. Although UPS had been using aircraft through third-party carriers since the 1920s, the launch of its own airline enabled greater control, efficiency, and scalability.

UPS Airlines’ central hub, known as Worldport, is located at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) in Kentucky, and serves as the heart of the carrier’s global air operations. This state-of-the-art facility can handle over 400,000 packages per hour and is connected to a wide-reaching network of regional hubs worldwide. UPS Airlines also operates a number of major regional hubs located strategically across the world, including at Miami International Airport (MIA), Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN), and Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG).

Similar to FedEx Express, sustainability is another focus area for UPS Airlines, with the carrier investing in modern, fuel-efficient aircraft and exploring alternative fuels to reduce its carbon footprint. UPS as a whole has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, aligning with global efforts to create a more sustainable supply chain.

UPS Airlines’ Widebody Fleet

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UPS Airlines operates a diverse widebody freighter fleet that forms the backbone of its global air cargo operations. These aircraft are essential for transporting large volumes of freight across long-haul international routes and high-demand domestic routes. Among the most prominent aircraft in the fleet is the Boeing 747-8F, a modern, high-capacity freighter known for its extended range and fuel efficiency. UPS Airlines operates nearly 30 of these aircraft, utilizing them on intercontinental routes between major logistics hubs in North America, Asia, and Europe.

Another key aircraft within UPS Airlines’ widebody fleet is the Boeing 767-300F. The carrier continues to invest in this aircraft, with multiple recent orders placed to expand and modernize its fleet. Additionally, UPS Airlines still operates older widebody aircraft such as the Boeing 747-400F, McDonnell Douglas MD-11F and Airbus A300-600F. These aircraft continue to serve effectively, though the carrier is gradually phasing them out in favor of newer, more fuel-efficient models.

Of a total fleet size of 295 aircraft, UPS Airlines operates 219 widebody aircraft, as outlined in the table below:

Just like FedEx Express, UPS Airlines’ narrowbody fleet consists entirely of Boeing 757-200PFs, all of which have been converted from passenger to freighter configuration. These aircraft provide crucial flexibility for medium-haul routes, connecting regional markets to major domestic and international hubs. With their reliable performance, lower operating costs, and high payload capacity, the 757-200PFs are well-suited for high-frequency routes and serve as a vital link in UPS Airlines’ extensive network.

Future Widebody Deliveries

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Over the coming years, both FedEx Express and UPS Airlines are set to expand their widebody fleets with the delivery of new aircraft that will support the carriers’ continued efforts to enhance their efficiency, capacity, and global reach. Boeing has taken all of the widebody aircraft orders from both carriers in recent years, with the expected deliveries outlined in the table below:

This steady influx of new aircraft reflects both carriers’ long-term strategies to modernize their fleets and meet the rising global shipping needs, particularly driven by the rapid growth in e-commerce worldwide. The focus on fuel-efficient, high-payload freighters also signals a broader shift within the air cargo industry towards more sustainable and cost-effective operations.

The Air Cargo Industry

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The global air cargo industry plays a vital role in international trade, transporting goods swiftly across continents and supporting supply chains for time-sensitive, high-value, and perishable products. Representing only a small percentage of total cargo volume by weight, air freight accounts for a significant share of global trade by value. Among the key items often transported by air cargo are electronics, pharmaceuticals, automotive parts, and fresh produce.

Major players in the industry include carriers like FedEx Express, UPS Airlines, and DHL Aviation, as well as traditional airlines that operate dedicated freighters or offer cargo space in their passenger aircraft, such as Qatar Airways Cargo or Emirates SkyCargo. Asia, North America, and Europe dominate global air cargo flows, with hubs such as Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), Memphis International Airport (MEM), Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC), and Frankfurt Airport (FRA) playing critical roles.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on the air cargo industry, initially causing capacity shortages due to the grounding of passenger fleets, but later accelerating demand for e-commerce and driving long-term growth. More recently, the industry has faced challenges from fluctuating fuel prices, geopolitical tensions, and evolving environmental regulations.