The Chinese government approved FedEx Express's addition of 12 additional flights a week from China.

The increase will give FedEx Express a total of 23 flights a week, meaning that it operates more all-cargo flights to and from China than any other U.S. airline.

FedEx Express will use six of the new flights for a new westbound, round-the-world service connecting the United States to Shanghai -- with stops in Europe and other points in Asia.

The remaining six flights will be used in March next year to establish an eastbound round-the-world service connecting the U.S., Europe, Japan and India to Shanghai, Shenzhen, and other points in Asia using an MD-11 aircraft.

Looking ahead to 2006, FedEx has applied for six additional weekly flights to include Guangzhou into its global and regional express networks.

Currently, FedEx Express operates 11 weekly flights to China, serving Shanghai, Beijing and Shenzhen. Today, FedEx offers the only direct flight between the United States and the Pearl River Delta, via its daily flight from Shenzhen.

"With these new frequencies, FedEx will provide greater connectivity, bringing together more points for our customers around China," said David L. Cunningham, president of FedEx Express in Asia Pacific.