Memphis International Airport renamed for FedEx founder Frederick W. Smith

Memphis International Airport has been officially renamed Frederick W. Smith International Airport to honor the founder of FedEx, who passed away in June 2025. The renaming recognizes Smith’s impact on the aviation industry, the global economy, and the development of Memphis, which he selected as the headquarters for Federal Express in 1973 due to its strategic location and stable weather.

To commemorate the tribute, FedEx launched the first FWS Day of Service, involving employees in community activities worldwide. Additionally, a new mural was unveiled on Plough Boulevard featuring a portrait of Smith composed of the company’s iconic purple aircraft tails. The ceremony included a symbolic landing of FedEx flight 1944, a Boeing 777 painted in the company’s original purple and orange livery.

FedEx CEO Raj Subramaniam stated that the renaming serves as a lasting tribute to Smith’s vision and his commitment to the prosperity of Memphis, a city that serves as a crucial hub for the company’s global cargo operations.