Operations
FedEx Founder and Bizav Advocate Fred Smith Flies West
“He always credited business aviation with helping make FedEx the company it is today”
Frederick Smith, founder and former chief executive of FedEx Corporation
Frederick Smith, founder and former CEO of FedEx Corporation © AIN archives

Frederick Smith—founder and former CEO of FedEx and a champion of business aviation throughout his career—passed away on June 21. Smith established FedEx in the early 1970s, initially operating with Dassault Falcon 20 business jets before building a pioneering dedicated cargo airline and eventually what became the world’s largest fleet of Cessna Caravan turboprop singles. The company joined NBAA as a member organization in 1983, maintaining that relationship throughout Smith’s tenure.

NBAA acknowledged his contributions to both commercial aviation and the business aviation sector. “Fred Smith changed the world with his creation of the cargo airline industry, but he always credited business aviation with helping make FedEx the company it is today,” said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen.

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