New year, and a new name for the airport which grew to world prominence thanks to founder of FedEx former Marines Captain and guru who delivered to the final mile sector the reality of 'hub and spoke' package delivery. The board of Memphis International Airport (MEM) passed a resolution to rename the airport  in honour of Fred Smith. The statement below is issued on behalf of Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority President and CEO Terry Blue.

Statement from Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority President and CEO Terry Blue, 2025.

This morning, the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (MSCAA) Board of Commissioners passed a resolution approving the renaming of Memphis International Airport (MEM) in honor of FedEx founder Frederick W. Smith. We applaud the board for recognizing the enduring legacy and impact that Mr. Smith had on the airport and the Memphis community.

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. More details will be announced as they become available.

Terry Blue, the President and CEO of the MSCAA, announced that they are working on a new logo and branding associated with the new airport name during the board of commissioners’ monthly meeting on Thursday morning.

Blue says the MSCAA has submitted “Frederick W. Smith International Airport” as the new name for 'MEM' to the Federal Aviation Administration, which will be in honour of FedEx founder Frederick W. Smith.

“I can’t really fathom someone who has had more of an impact on a particular airport, in a particular city, than Fred Smith,” said Michael Keeney, Airport Authority chairman. The airport’s three-letter location identifier, MEM, will remain the same.

This news comes months after FedEx founder, former Marine Captain, business magnate and philanthropist died at the age of 80, leaving behind his legacy.