FedEx Unveils Retro-Livery Boeing 777F as Memphis Airport Honours Founder
- Aug 12
- 1 min read
FedEx has unveiled a Boeing 777 freighter featuring the company’s original purple-and-orange livery as part of a ceremony honouring its late founder, Frederick W. Smith.
The aircraft completed the first ceremonial landing at the newly renamed Frederick W. Smith International Airport in Memphis. Operating as Flight 1944, the flight number commemorated the year of Smith’s birth.
The Boeing 777F has been named “Rosie” after one of Smith’s granddaughters, who was born shortly before his passing in June 2025. The name continues FedEx’s longstanding tradition of naming aircraft after employees’ children.
Smith selected Memphis as the home of Federal Express in 1973 due to its strategic location and favourable weather conditions. Over the following five decades, the partnership between FedEx, the airport and the city helped establish Memphis as a major hub for international commerce and air cargo.
FedEx currently transports more than 18 million packages worldwide each day, with its Memphis World Hub processing over 2.4 million packages daily.
The airport dedication coincided with the inaugural FedEx FWS Day of Service, created to celebrate Smith’s commitment to community leadership. More than 120 FedEx Cares volunteering and community events are taking place worldwide as part of the initiative.
Image source: aircargonews.net
