“FedEx Panda Express” Brings First Giant Pandas to the UK

FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. and one of the world's largest express transportation company, recently announced it is donating its logistical services to transport two giant pandas from China to Scotland on Sunday 4 December, subject to final regulatory approval. Working in conjunction with the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) and the China Wildlife Conservation Association (CWCA) in China, FedEx Express will fly the pandas non-stop from Chengdu Airport in China to Edinburgh International Airport in Scotland on a specially-chartered Boeing 777F flight known as the “FedEx Panda Express”. Tian Tian (甜甜, aka Sweetie), an eight year-old female panda, and Yang Guang (阳光, aka Sunshine), an eight year-old male panda from Chengdu’s Bifengxia Panda Base, will travel onboard a specially panda-decaled FedEx Express Boeing 777F. Their arrival will mark the first time in more than 17 years that giant pandas will reside in the United Kingdom. The UK’s last giant panda, Ming Ming, left London Zoo to return to China on October 26, 1994. “We are honored to be part of this special mission in conservation, which builds on FedEx operational strength and extensive experience shipping these endangered giant pandas,” said David L. Cunningham Jr., president, FedEx Express Asia Pacific. “Just like we do for our customers shipping from Asia to Europe, with our 777F we are able to provide the pandas fast, reliable direct service.” Currently, conservationists estimate that only 1,600 pandas remain in the wild. Both Tian Tian and Yang Guang are part of global giant panda conservation programs, designed to increase the panda population. Onboard the Boeing 777F aircraft—which is solely dedicated to the pandas’ journey—Tian Tian and Yang Guang will travel in two custom-built transport containers provided by FedEx Express. The pandas will fly from Chengdu Airport direct to Edinburgh International Airport. The fuel-efficient Boeing 777F aircraft used for this precious shipment is the world’s largest twin-engine cargo aircraft and the newest addition to the FedEx Express global fleet. In addition to donating the air transportation, FedEx Express is providing ground and logistical support in Edinburgh, including a specially-decaled FedEx Express vehicle to deliver the pandas to Edinburgh Zoo. Lothian and Borders Police Force will be on hand to ensure a smooth ride for these VIP’s—Very Important Pandas. FedEx Express, Edinburgh Zoo, and Chengdu’s Bifengxia Panda Base have worked collaboratively to ensure all necessary precautions have been taken to provide a safe and comfortable flight for the pandas. Animal care experts have been granted special flight privileges to accompany the pandas onboard the aircraft. Upon arrival, the pandas will reside in Edinburgh Zoo’s specially-built giant panda enclosure. Due to security regulations, the departure and arrival events of the pandas will be closed to the general public, but people can follow the pandas’ journey at blog.fedex.com/panda-express.

FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. and one of the world’s largest express transportation company, recently announced it is donating its logistical services to transport two giant pandas from China to Scotland on Sunday 4 December, subject to final regulatory approval. Read more

Ascott Recycles Furniture For A Good Cause

Since its serviced residence business started more than 25 years ago, The Ascott Limited (Ascott), through various green and social efforts, has been doing its part for the environment and communities where it operates. One of its serviced residences in London has recently embarked on a socially-innovative project to recycle and, at the same time, reach out to the underprivileged. As part of Ascott‟s refurbishment programme in Europe and Asia, Citadines Trafalgar Square London is being restyled to give the apartments a new contemporary look and the public areas, a welcoming ambience synonymous with a homely living room. “Stylish, modern furniture have been specially chosen to complement the new interior design. Hence, we were looking for an innovative yet socially responsible way to recycle the existing furniture, all of which are still perfectly usable,” said Mr Ben Adams, Residence Manager of Citadines Trafalgar Square London. [caption id="attachment_5651" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Citadines Trafalgar Square London"][/caption] Working with social enterprise Exsel CIC, Citadines Trafalgar Square London has made the existing furniture available to low-income families in West Lancashire and other groups in need, such as victims of domestic abuse who are learning to live independently. Local charitable organisations within the wider community of Lancashire have also been supplied with the furniture for redistribution. The furniture will also provide the raw materials for education and training in programmes relating to upholstery and upcycling. Instead of ending up in the local landfill, the recycling project has saved and redistributed over 40 tonnes of furniture to those who truly need it. [caption id="attachment_5652" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Citadines Trafalgar Square London - Restyled Apartments"][/caption] “While Citadines Trafalgar Square London gets a new look in time for the 2012 Olympics, we are glad to be able to recycle our existing furniture and help to improve the home conditions of the underprivileged. We hope that this will make a difference to the lives of the beneficiaries,” said Adams. The newly refurbished Citadines Trafalgar Square London will be ready by January 2012. Located just steps away from Nelson‟s Column in Trafalgar Square, the serviced residence is a short walk from the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. It is close to Buckingham Palace, St James‟s Park and the National Portrait Gallery which houses one of the greatest European art collections in the world. Surrounding the serviced residence are busy streets lined with shops leading down to Covent Garden and Oxford Street. With its close proximity to the River Thames, Citadines Trafalgar Square London also offers easy access to the Southbank Centre and its wide selection of theatres, bars and restaurants, as well as the London Eye observation wheel.  

Since its serviced residence business started more than 25 years ago, The Ascott Limited (Ascott), through various green and social efforts, has been doing its part for the environment and communities where it operates. One of its serviced residences in London has recently embarked on a socially-innovative project to recycle and, at the same time, reach out to the underprivileged. Read more