Yesterday, a FedEx Express Boeing 767 deviated off a taxiway at Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The aircraft was then stuck on the grass at the British Columbian hub before further investigations were made.

FedEx 767
FedEx holds 86 Boeing 767 aircraft. Photo: FedEx

Across the border

According to Western Aviation News, registration N148FE, performing flight FX-142 was arriving in from Memphis, Tennessee, when the incident happened. It had left the runway and was moving on the airport's taxiway L to reach FedEx's terminal. This is a standard procedure with minimal risk, but there was a surprise for those on the scene this time.

Despite the unusual occurrence, there were no injuries. Additionally, a representative for the airport said that there was no impact on operations.

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Back in action

A FedEx spokesperson said the following, according to Western Aviation News.

"FedEx Express Flight 142 from Memphis to Vancouver, British Columbia, experienced an event while taxiing to the gate. The aircraft was towed and maintenance is evaluating. There were no reported injuries."

An hour later, the aircraft was towed back onto the taxiway. However, there is currently no update on how it ended up in the mud in the first place.

FedEx was involved in a similar incident earlier this month. A McDonnell Douglas MD-11 overran the end of the runway when it was landing at Mumbai International Airport (BOM).

Due to bad weather, registration N583FE, performing flight FX-5033, came to a stop nine meters beyond the end of the runway. Thankfully, there were no injuries and no damage to the plane.

FedEx
The DC-10 was a success for McDonnell Douglas; the MD-11 not as much. Photo: Getty Images

Fulfilling orders

The global health crisis is currently causing a massive negative impact on the worldwide economy. Moreover, commercial aviation is one of the most affected industries in the current conditions. However, FedEx is in one of the few markets that are seeing business activity grow.

This week, Robyn McVicker, Vancouver International's vice president of operations, shared that his team has seen a 30 percent year-on-year increase in cargo activity in March and April. Therefore, it's likely that the liveries of shipping firms are currently dominating the scene at the airport while passenger demand is slowly returning.

Vancouver International Airport
Despite the downturn in passenger activity, ground staff at Vancouver International Airport would have still been busy assisting with cargo operations. Photo: Vancouver International Airport

At the end of last year, FedEx shared its excitement about how the new 767F can carry up to 91,000 pounds of cargo. This ability represents an increase in capacity of approximately 16 percent compared to the aircraft it replaces. It is also nine percent more fuel-efficient than its predecessor. Altogether, the new additions will help FedEx take on the increase in cargo demand over the next year.

Simply Flying reached out to FedEx for comment on the incident but did not hear back before publication. We will update the article with any further announcements.

What are your thoughts on the what happened? Do you know of any other recent incidents like this? Let us know what you think in the comment section.