Memphis airport considers renaming after late FedEx founder Fred Smith

Renaming an airport involves several parties, including the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which must update their systems. Such changes can take months and sometimes face controversy over community impact or traveler confusion. However, "Memphis Fred Smith International Airport" is expected to proceed smoothly.

Airports are often named after notable individuals like John F. Kennedy or Muhammad Ali. Fred Smith's contributions to Memphis and aviation make him a worthy candidate for this honor.

FedEx was founded in 1971 as Federal Express by Fred Smith and initially headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas. Operations began at Memphis International Airport due to its strategic location near the US population center and favorable weather conditions.

Smith envisioned an airline managing all package transit aspects using a hub-and-spoke model during his time at Yale University. Despite early financial struggles that once led him to gamble company funds for fuel expenses, FedEx grew into one of the world's leading courier companies under his leadership until he stepped down in 2022.

Smith was considered for a cabinet position during the Bush administration but declined. He received numerous accolades throughout his career and was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 2007.