Frederick Smith Presented the
2006 ACC Aviation Award of Excellence

For Immediate Release
November 16, 2006, NR-06-04
Contact: Cari Hicks

Alexandria, VA – The Airport Consultants Council (ACC) presented Frederick W. Smith, chairman, president and chief executive officer of FedEx Corporation, the prestigious 2006 ACC Aviation Award of Excellence at a luncheon on November 13, 2006 during the ACC Annual Conference in Fort Lauderdale, FL.  The purpose of this award is to recognize the contributions of an individual or group to the airport and aviation industry that are visionary and innovative, have advanced the airport and aviation industry, and have served the public in the process.  The lifetime achievements of the recipients are also considered.

"Fred is a most deserving recipient of this award," says ACC President Paula Hochstetler.  "He was selected based on his unparalleled entrepreneurialism, dynamic vision and leadership within the aviation industry and in the context of global commerce." 

Smith is responsible for providing strategic direction for the FedEx Corporation operating companies, including FedEx Services, FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, FedEx Freight and FedEx Kinko's. FedEx serves more than 220 countries and territories with operations that include more than 677 aircraft and over 70,000 vehicles. More than 260,000 employees and independent contractors worldwide handle more than 6 million FedEx shipments each business day.   

Under Smith’s leadership, FedEx has single handedly revolutionized the domestic and international air cargo system.  FedEx had a large stake in the 46 percent overall growth in cargo tonnage transported by air between 1993 and 2002.  As sited by the ACC Awards Committee in their letter to Smith announcing his selection, Smith had the vision to develop a network in China fifteen years ago when others were discounting investments there.  As a result, FedEx is the top package delivery service in China.

Graham Smith, vice president of properties and facilities at FedEx, received the award for Fred Smith. The 2006 ACC Aviation Award of Excellence Committee Chair and Vice Chair are G. Patrick Brown with Burns & McDonnell, and Edward K. McCagg with NBBJ, respectively.

The Airport Consultants Council (ACC) is the international trade association that represents the unique interests of consultant firms and related businesses that provide airport development and operations expertise. Founded in 1978, ACC Headquarters is located in the Washington, D.C.area.

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