Air TransportFrederick W. Smith, FedEx Founder, Dies at 80
Frederick W. Smith, founder and executive chairman of FedEx, passed away on June 21, at the age of 80 in Memphis, Tennessee.
A decorated former Marine, Smith launched Federal Express in 1971, turning a college project into one of the world’s largest logistics networks.
FedEx began operations in 1973 with 14 Falcon 20 jets, delivering 186 packages to 25 U.S. cities. His “hub‑and‑spoke” distribution model, centered in Memphis, revolutionized overnight air delivery.
Today, FedEx operates approximately 705 aircraft, more than 200,000 vehicles, around 5,000 facilities, employs more than 500,000 people, and does business in more than 220 countries and territories, moving approximately 17 million shipments daily.
In an official statement, FedEx described Smith as “a bold and passionate visionary” who “shaped not just FedEx, but also the world of logistics and modern transportation.” The company highlighted that his leadership was rooted in “purpose, humanity, and vision.”
FedEx CEO Raj Subramaniam said, “Fred was more than just the pioneer of an industry and the founder of our great company. He was the heart and soul of FedEx.”
Smith remained executive chairman until his passing, even after stepping down as CEO in 2022.
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