Memphis Airport to be Renamed After FedEx Founder

City’s airport authority aims to recognize former CEO Fred Smith, who recently died at 80.

Caleb Revill

Monday, June 30, 2025 at 01:40 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Fred Smith launched FedEx Express in 1973 with a fleet of 14 Dassault Falcon converted business jets. [Courtesy: FedEx]

Key Takeaways:

The Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority passed a resolution to rename Memphis International Airport after recently deceased FedEx founder Fred Smith.
This decision recognizes Smith's profound impact on the airport and the Memphis community, where he founded FedEx and established its crucial world hub.
The renaming process involves numerous regulatory, logistical, and operational steps, with state lawmaker approval secured and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval still pending.

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The Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority passed a resolution on Thursday to begin renaming the Memphis International Airport after recently deceased FedEx founder Fred Smith.

“We applaud the board for recognizing the enduring legacy and impact that Mr. Smith had on the airport and the Memphis community,” the airport authority stated in its news release on Thursday. “We are honored to be tasked with this well-deserved recognition for him. There are many regulatory, logistical and operational steps involved in renaming an airport, but our staff will immediately begin the process.”