FedEx Honors Founder With Airport Dedication

FedEx honors founder Frederick W. Smith with a renamed Memphis airport, global service initiative, and community events celebrating his lasting legacy.

FedEx Honors Founder’s Legacy

FedEx and the Memphis community have honored the legacy of late founder Frederick W. Smith through the dedication of Frederick W. Smith International Airport and the inaugural FWS Day of Service.

The Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority renamed Memphis International Airport in recognition of Smith’s contributions to aviation, global commerce and the city of Memphis. Smith founded Federal Express in Memphis in 1973, selecting the city for its strategic location and reliable weather.

Over five decades, Smith helped transform Memphis into a major global logistics hub while supporting the city’s civic and economic development. FedEx also unveiled a new mural along Plough Boulevard featuring Smith’s portrait created from the company’s iconic purple aircraft tails.

FedEx CEO Raj Subramaniam said the renamed airport would ensure Smith’s vision and connection to Memphis remain part of the city’s future. The Memphis World Hub, located at the airport, currently sorts more than 2.4 million packages daily, contributing to FedEx’s global network that handles over 18 million packages each day.

The ceremony concluded with the landing of Flight 1944, a FedEx 777 featuring the company’s original purple and orange livery. The flight number reflects Smith’s birth year, while the aircraft is named Rosie after one of his granddaughters.

Meanwhile, the FWS Day of Service forms part of FedEx’s Purple Week, with more than 120 volunteer and community impact events taking place worldwide.

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