FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp., one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, announced the launch of its new South Australian Superhub to support the surging air freight demand out of South Australia. Adjacent to the Adelaide Airport, the new facility forms part of the planned Freight and logistics hub for Adelaide Airport East Precinct, and features enhanced sorting and storage capabilities, supported by state-of-the-art tech.
Why is the Adelaide Superhub a game-changer?
The superhub spans about 64,000 sq. metres, more than double the size of the previous facilities combined and is equipped with 435-metre conveyor belts and a sortation system that can sort up to 10,000 packages per hour, four times the previous sorting capacity.
The new facility also offers more than 300 per cent increase in package sorting processes and enables selected one-day delivery services to be extended to homes and business in 130 additional postcodes across metropolitan and regional South Australia. Locations enjoying faster delivery times include the Barossa Valley, Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula regions.
Air freight volume in Adelaide is expected to more than double over the next 20 years, rising from 58,500 tonnes annually to 146,000 tonnes in 2039. Between 2020 and 2050, it is anticipated that the volume of wider Australian air freight will increase by over 103%, rising from 290 million tonne kilometres in 2020 to roughly 589 million tonne kilometres in 2050.
The facility is part of FedEx Express’ commitment to support broader long-term economic benefits for South Australia. Currently, with 25 weekly flights into and out of Adelaide Airport carrying FedEx Express cargo, the new facility provides importers and exporters including small- and medium-enterprises (SMEs) and heavy-weight shippers with greater and more reliable access to other cities within Australia and between international markets.
What does the facility mean for regional clients?
“This industry leading Superhub is now the largest single express freight sorting facility in South Australia and the first to respond to major freight upgrades at the Adelaide Airport. The enhanced capabilities of the new facility will benefit local businesses looking to tap into the international marketplace and supports the growing demand for e-commerce in the South Australia region,” commented Peter Langley, Vice President, FedEx Express Australasia.
“We’re proud to launch the facility during the same month of our 50th anniversary celebration on 17 April. This is a testament of our commitment to look at new ways to serve our clients more efficiently, and adopt practices to help reduce carbon emissions from our operations.”
In support of FedEx Corp’s (FedEx Express Australia’s ultimate parent company) goal of carbon neural operations by 2040 across its global business lines, the new South Australian Superhub has incorporated multi-faceted features from lighting to water recycling.
The building is illuminated by a 4,500 sq. meter skylight to increase the amount of natural light and uses 100% LED lighting to save more than 50% kW per year versus traditional lighting. It also collects and reuses rainwater on site. Equivalent to a 4-star environmental Australian rating, the facility is also equipped with EV charging provisions and scalability.
As small- and medium-enterprises (SMEs) and businesses evolve to meet the current economic climate and navigate customer sentiment, FedEx is driving efficiencies through significant investments like this Superhub to help the company’s partners retain and gain market share by providing the best possible last-mile experience for their customers.
