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.
Fred Smith founded FedEx in Memphis in 1973, establishing its global hub there and profoundly impacting the city's economy and the airport's significance.
The renaming process, which has received unanimous approval from state lawmakers, requires further regulatory and logistical steps, including Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval.

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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.”