FedEx Donates Retired Boeing 727 To Broward Aviation Dept.
FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – The Broward County Aviation Department received a special delivery from FedEx Express on Wednesday.
The company donated a retired Boeing 727-200F aircraft.
The plane made its final journey to the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and was welcomed with water cannons on the runway.
"Donating this retired FedEx 727 aircraft to the county aviation department reflects the pride we take in giving back to the communities where FedEx people live and work," David Sutton, managing director of Aircraft Acquisition and Sales for FedEx Express, said. "FedEx knows from experience that our donation of cargo jets to communities coast to coast provides tremendous value for education and training purposes."
Before its final flight, this particular plane flew for FedEx for 18 years.
Since 2000, FedEx has donated 78 of its Boeing 727 aircraft to aviation schools, municipal and airport fire departments, colleges and museums for training and education.
"We are very thankful for this most generous donation from FedEx," said Broward County Mayor Barbara Sharief. "The aircraft will serve as a useful training tool for firefighters and as such assist in the protection of residents and visitors."
The world's largest express transportation company began donating retired freighters as part of its aircraft fleet modernization program.
FedEx is replacing old aircraft with more fuel efficient, lower emission cargo planes.