Latest news with #MemphisInternationalAirport
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Yahoo
These Are the Most Family-friendly Airports in the U.S.
A Tennessee airport takes the top spot, while airports across the U.S. make it on the list. The study looked at available play areas, breastfeeding stations, restaurants, family-friendly security line options, and it comes to airport designs, the comfort of children—and the adults charged with looking after them—barely feels like it was a consideration. There are never enough breast feeding stations or play areas, and getting through security can feel like a nightmare. But not all airports are created equal, and a new study from iCandy identified one family-friendly southern airport that came out above the rest in the United States. Memphis International Airport (MEM) took the top spot in the U.S. thanks to its nine restaurants, five nursing rooms, and security assistance. And while the airport doesn't offer rentable strollers and features just one play area, it stood at the top of the list for American airports. (The airport clocked in at No. 23 worldwide.) To create its Little Flyers Index, the company evaluated more than 100 international airports, looking at the number of play areas, breastfeeding stations, restaurants, family-friendly security line options, availability of rentable strollers, and the total number of annual passengers. The next best airport in the U.S. for families was Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), which tied for No. 26 on the list and also features nine restaurants and one play area, and (like Memphis), offers security options. However, Palm Springs only offers one breast feeding station. That was followed by Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) by Washington D.C., which offers 43 restaurants to choose from, one play area, five breastfeeding stations, and rentable strollers. However, there are no options for family-friendly security so families with young children must navigate the lines alone. These are the top 10 family-friendly airports in the US, according to the Little Flyer Index. 1. Memphis International, Memphis, Tennessee (No. 23 worldwide)2. Palm Springs International Airport, Palm Springs, California (No. 26 worldwide)3. Ronald Reagan Washington National, Washington, D.C., Virginia (No. 27 worldwide)4. San Diego International Airport, San Diego, California (No. 29 worldwide)5. John Glenn Columbus International, Columbus, Ohio (No. 37 worldwide)6. Charleston International, Charleston, South Carolina (No. 38 worldwide)7. Minneapolis-Saint Paul International, Minneapolis, Minnesota (No. 39 worldwide)8. Logan International, Boston, Massachusetts (No. 43 worldwide)9. John F. Kennedy International, New York, New York (No. 45 worldwide)10. O'Hare International, Chicago, Illinois (No. 46 worldwide) Traveling with young children? Travel + Leisure has you covered with more family-friendly travel tips, including resort recommendations, beach suggestions, and top campground ideas. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Board votes to rename Memphis International Airport after FedEx founder Fred Smith
Correction: This story has been updated to reflect that Capt. Albert Glenn serves as vice chair of the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority Board of Commissioners and Jack Sammons is a board commissioner. The process is officially underway to rename Memphis International Airport after FedEx founder Fred Smith. At the start of its June 26 monthly meeting, the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution to begin the process of renaming Memphis International Airport after Smith, who died June 21 at 80. Board Chairman Michael Keeney said he has brought up renaming the airport after Smith to state officials and has their support. FRED SMITH'S IMPACT IN MEMPHIS: FedEx founder Fred Smith believed in Memphis — and 'Absolutely, Positively' transformed it "I will say that I've had the opportunity to discuss (renaming the airport) with our governor (Bill Lee), legislative leaders and members of all of the Congressional delegation, and they all are very supportive of this action," Keeney said. In a statement sent to The Commercial Appeal on June 27, FedEx said the company wholeheartedly endorses renaming the airport after Smith. "We fully support the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority's resolution seeking to rename the Memphis International Airport in honor of our founder Frederick W. Smith," FedEx said. "It would be a fitting tribute to the man who launched a company that revolutionized the airport, the city of Memphis, and the way the world works. We support the advancement of this resolution for full approval and look forward to operating out of a location that bears his name." Board Commissioner Jack Sammons said he spent some time on June 21 with Smith before he died, saying they "both had enjoyed unfiltered conversations." During the June 26 meeting, Sammons talked about his attempt to push for the airport to be renamed after Smith 30 years ago. However, Smith didn't support the idea at that time and told Sammons that naming buildings was for dead people. Sammons later read a roughly 5-minute resolution on the Airport Authority looking to honor Smith by renaming Memphis International after him. The resolution by Sammons included the following. "Now, therefore, be it resolved, by the Board of Commissioners of the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority, that the name of the Memphis International Airport will be changed to honor the late Mr. Frederick W. Smith and directs the president and CEO to immediately begin the process to effectuate the change in consultation with Mr. Smith's family, create a timeline and implementation plan for all necessary approvals and determine the estimated costs associated with the renaming of the airport in honor of the aforementioned Smith." FEDEX LEADERS ON FRED SMITH: FedEx leaders pay tribute to Fred Smith: 'His legacy will be felt for years to come' Capt. Albert Glenn serves as vice chair on the Airport Authority Board. Glenn, a retired FedEx pilot whose career at the Memphis-based logistics giant spanned more than 40 years, talked about the value of what Smith did to make a difference in Memphis and throughout the country. "The sacrifice that he gave, and how all that not only made it better for me, but it made it better for my family," Glenn said. "It made it better for our community, made it better for our city and it made it better for the world. I've traveled all over. I can tell you the number of people that have walked up and talked about what Mr. Smith has done and how it has benefited them. This is an opportunity for us to continue to show that legacy of what he brought to the city and what he brought to all of us by naming the airport after him." The renaming of the airport would be a process requiring FAA approval and additional steps. "We are honored to be tasked with this well-deserved recognition for him," Airport Authority President and CEO Terry Blue said in a news release. "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." Corey Davis is the Collierville and Germantown reporter with The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at or 901-293-1610. To keep up with the latest news from the Shelby County suburbs, sign up here for our Suburban Pulse weekly newsletter. This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Board votes to rename Memphis International Airport after Fred Smith
Extra.ie
22-06-2025
- Business
- Extra.ie
Billionaire FedEx founder dies aged 80, leaving behind legacy and 10 children
Fred Smith, the billionaire entrepreneur who transformed the global delivery industry by founding FedEx, has died at the age of 80. Smith launched FedEx in 1973 with a groundbreaking idea: a faster, more efficient way to deliver small parcels and documents than the traditional postal service. Starting with just 14 aircraft operating out of Memphis International Airport, the company serviced 25 U.S. cities in its early days. His innovative 'hub and spokes' model, coordinating air cargo flights around a central hub, quickly became a cornerstone of modern logistics. Under Smith's leadership, FedEx grew into a global powerhouse, now delivering an astonishing 17 million parcels every day. His cause of death has not yet been confirmed. Under Smith's leadership, FedEx grew into a global powerhouse, now delivering an astonishing 17 million parcels every day. A Yale University graduate, Smith famously drew on a business theory he developed during his college years to create the foundation for FedEx. Worth an estimated $5.3 billion at the time of his death, according to Forbes, Smith was also a dedicated philanthropist. He donated millions to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, supporting the families of those who served. Though he stepped down as CEO in 2022, Smith remained deeply involved with the company as executive chairman. Fred Smith. Pic: Getty His passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from political and business leaders alike. Memphis's former mayor Jim Strickland called him 'the most significant Memphian in history,' adding: 'He benefited our city in every way possible and allowed generations of Memphians to achieve the American dream. God bless Fred Smith. My condolences to the Smith family.' Smith is survived by his wife and 10 children.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Legislation could help speed air cargo shipments
WASHINGTON — Legislation introduced in the House and Senate could help speed air cargo shipments through the supply chain by using a new funding incentive for surface transportation projects. The Don't Miss Your Flight Act, introduced last week in the House by U.S. Reps. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn. and David Kustoff, R-Tenn. and in the Senate by U.S. Sens. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., and Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., would use existing federal funding to create an incentive for surface transportation projects at and within five miles of a public airport. 'We've all been there – you're rushing to the airport but then get stuck in traffic outside while worrying that your flight is going to take off without you,' Duckworth said in a press statement. 'Airports like Chicago O'Hare and so many others are building to keep up with the growing passenger demand, but our surface transportation leading into and out of our airports needs to keep pace.' In addition to passenger benefits, Kustoff emphasized benefits to cargo shipments as well.'It is imperative that shipments can get in and out of Memphis quickly and effectively,' he said. 'The Don't Miss Your Flight Act is critical legislation that will ensure federal funding is used to modify surface transportation around our nation's busiest airports.' Cohen added that as the nation's busiest cargo airport, Memphis International Airport 'is at the confluence of river, rail and highway circuits we call 'America's Distribution Center',' he said. 'Updates to the ground infrastructure in Memphis and around the country through grants authorized under the Don't Miss Your Flight Act will modernize and improve the air traveler's experience.' Memphis International Airport is the third busiest cargo airport in the world, behind airports in Hong Kong and Shanghai, according to the latest ranking by Airports Council International. FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX), headquartered in Memphis, is the airport's largest cargo operator, operating approximately 400 flights per day, according to the airport. The bill's language states that a project eligible for grant funds under the legislation is a project that:Connects to a public airport. Makes improvements on land that is on or within five miles of that public airport. Reduces congestion, expands capacity, provides access to under-connected areas, or rehabilitates roadway, rail, or transit infrastructure, including bridges, tunnels, and rolling stock. Airlines lower air cargo forecast amid escalating trade war FedEx converts parcel freighter to heavy cargo operation Just steal it: Why carriers avoid Memphis Click for more FreightWaves articles by John Gallagher. The post Legislation could help speed air cargo shipments appeared first on FreightWaves.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Construction underway at Memphis airport in $700M terminal plan
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Major construction is underway at the Memphis International Airport, which is part of a $700 million plan known as the Terminal and Seismic Program. The ongoing construction is said to make the departure area wheelchair accessible. 'We continue to push the message for passengers to arrive two hours early. These delays do not provide any additional delays when it comes to parking or dropping off, but if you feel more comfortable arriving 10 minutes before this, we recommend that too,' said Mia Harvey, Memphis Regional Airport Media Relations Manager. Harvey said to arrive early because of construction outside Terminal B is underway and should be finished by the end of June. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
