The number I heard was 8 airframes to start up the 757 European operation. It will also be where they go first (early 08) with the first Memfo-based airframes showing up in early 09. The location of the European domicile is what's holding up the next big bid - the training letter for that will include 757s to Europe so they have to have everything nailed down before they let the crazy masses bid on it.

This info is almost two months old, so it's probably been changed 7 times since then.

"The number I heard was 8 airframes to start up the 757 European operation."

So where will FedEx base them?

TH1

A 300 in Europe
 

While it's true that the 'Bus is too big for some of the markets in Europe, it's also a fact that they had to send 2 A-300's over to SIBA-land for a couple of the bigger markets. I've heard that the SIBA fleet will be a mix of the 2 types(A-300/310 and B-757) and that a domicile in Europe won't work until there are big enough numbers of crews to justify, again, probably both types.

Uh, two sentences later I said that they are still trying to nail down the location of the domicile so that it can be included on the bid. But if you want rumors, I'll give you rumors: Zurich, Frankfurt and Prague. Zurich is wicked expensive and they're probably looking at some sort of COLA to base guys there. Prague is cheap but the infrastructure outside the city is strictly third-world, so some concerns there as well. Frankfurt might have the fewest headaches. Believe it when you see it on the bid (or when the first guy moves!)

I don't remember them ever mentioning a COLA when they were thinking of a Paris domicile. Is Zurich that much more expensive than Paris? Frankfurt, however, would be the perfect place, if for no other reason than that's where Manfred is. He could run the entire show, more efficiently, with fewer staff, less disruptions, and still supply adult beverages to the transiting crews.:D

I'll let the SIBA Bus boys chime in here.

Aren't the SIBA (CDG) Buses the A-310's? (smaller buses)

What is the payload difference /fuel burn difference between the A-310 and the 757? Is it really so different as to make a reaal cost savings?

The A-310 carries Big cans that are compatible withe the MD-11, the 757 does not.

It would seem to me, with all the Airbus's flying around europe, that it would make more sense (maintenance and parts and supply wise) to have Airbus equipment over there, not to mention the politically correct intra Europe.

The company already has a very flexible SIBA system. I am still curious as to what the Real Cost savings would be putting 757's there? If the business grows over there in a few years, the company could simply replace the A-310's with A-300-600's with no training costs or additional Bid requirements. Not to mention the training costs involved if they really decide to put a base over there...........(We have been hearing that for over 12 years now what has changed).

I'm voting for Prague!:D

Who's Manfred again?

He provides our transportation to/from the hotel/airport in FRA.

Just got back from two weeks of SIBA. Flew A300 all 90% of the time and was full, there are still A310 here also. From the CDG people the 757 are going to ADD TO the Airbuses. They are going to replace the ATRs and smaller planes that are serving smaller markets. The problem is getting the freight over the pond due to lack of lift. Apparently sales have stopped pushing fedex in europe due to lack of lift. JL & DM were in paris a few weeks ago looking at the domocile issue. No answer on that, CDG is still in the running from what I hear.