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FedEx, one of the largest transport and logistics companies globally, has a unique tradition of naming its aircraft after employees' children. This practice began with the company's first plane, a Dassault Falcon 20 named Wendy, after founder Fred Smith's daughter. Over the years, many aircraft have been named in this manner, including Isaac Dsouza's Boeing 757 in 2019 and Liam's Boeing 767-300F in 2021.
Natasha Dsouza expressed her excitement about her son being the first child from his region to have a plane named after him: "Having a plane named after your child is truly an honor." Her mother, Veena Samuel, shared her pride: "The honor of my grandson’s name inscribed on an aircraft that is traveling the world goes beyond what words can express."
In addition to honoring employees' children, FedEx also names some planes after patients at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through its Purple Eagle Program. In 2021, a Cessna Caravan was named Kenzie for a patient at St. Jude. Richard C. Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC, highlighted FedEx's dedication: “FedEx...has been an invaluable and dedicated partner to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for decades.”
