Fred Smith, FedEx Visionary, Dies at 80

Good morning! Looking for a Cessna 180 that’s ready for anything? This one’s got P.Ponk power, floats and wheels, and a clean maintenance history to back it all up. I’m brokering it personally through my company, Flybuyer Aircraft Sales, so you can count on a legit, well-vetted listing. Take a closer look at the full specs here. 🛩️

-Rob Roy

In today’s email:

• FedEx Founder Fred Smith Remembered as Industry Trailblazer

• Around the Skies: Air Race Classic takes flight, Electric flight gains U.S. foothold, Big lift for backcountry flyers, FAA deadline approaching for expats, Fuel sales power aviation education, From military transport to firefighter jet

• PilotTube: The Spitfire Scene That Aviation Fans Never Forgot

THE BUSINESS OF AVIATION

Fred Smith, Marine and FedEx Creator, Leaves Behind a Shipping Empire

Fred Smith, the visionary behind FedEx, has died at 80, leaving behind a legacy that transformed global commerce. What began as a college term paper and a modest air-ground network became a logistical empire—FedEx now moves over $2 trillion worth of goods annually using more than 700 aircraft and 220,000 vehicles. Smith didn’t just create a shipping company; he invented an industry, changing how the world thinks about overnight delivery.

A former Marine decorated with the Silver Star and two Purple Hearts, Smith brought grit and daring to his business ventures. He famously once kept FedEx alive by gambling the company’s last $5,000 in Las Vegas, winning just enough to cover a critical fuel bill. His boldness paid off. From a 14-jet operation serving 25 cities, FedEx exploded into an $88 billion global force rivaling UPS despite its decades-long head start.

Smith’s strategic decision to base the company in Memphis—chosen for its central location and mild weather—helped FedEx maintain its relentless reliability. Under his leadership, the company expanded globally, acquiring major players like Flying Tigers and TNT Express while building the largest air cargo fleet in the world. He even appeared as himself in Cast Away, solidifying FedEx’s pop culture footprint.

Beyond business, Smith was a fierce advocate for free trade and a well-connected figure in Washington, though he turned down a cabinet post to care for family. Remembered as a Marine, mentor and innovator, Smith’s impact on aviation, logistics and entrepreneurship is hard to overstate. His legacy will continue soaring long after his final flight.

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AROUND THE SKIES

🛩️ The 2025 Air Race Classic wrapped up after four days of high-energy flying across nine states and more than 2,400 miles. Sixty-four all-women teams launched from Fairhope, Alabama and raced their way to Spokane, Washington, navigating changing weather and timed checkpoints along the way. This isn’t a race of pure speed; each aircraft has a handicap so it’s all about flying skill, planning and teamwork. From college students to seasoned pros these women brought serious talent and spirit to one of aviation’s most storied traditions.

🛩️ French electric aircraft maker Aura Aero is fast-tracking its U.S. expansion with a new assembly and support facility in Daytona Beach. Backed by $3.4 million in state funding, the company will assemble its INTEGRAL two-seat trainer and begin flight testing the all-electric INTEGRAL E. Plans are already in motion for a massive 500,000-square-foot factory to produce the 19-seat hybrid-electric ERA which has racked up 650 pre-orders.

🛩️ CubCrafters is unleashing a serious upgrade for legacy Super Cubs with a newly available STC (Supplemental Type Certificate) that boosts certified gross weight from 1,750 to 2,300 pounds. That’s over 30 percent more payload for owners ready to overhaul and reinforce their airframes. Originally used for in-house Top Cub projects, the STC is now being offered to qualified operators and shops across the country. It’s a big lift for backcountry flyers who want more gear, more power and more adventure in their Super Cubs.

🛩️ FAA certificate holders living abroad are up against a July 7 deadline to designate a U.S. Agent for Service if they don’t have a U.S. address on record. The rule, aimed at ensuring timely delivery of safety-critical documents, applies to a wide range of certifications including pilots, mechanics and drone operators. Without a designated agent, holders risk delayed notifications, certificate issues or even revocation. Companies like EZ Aviation are stepping in to help streamline compliance and keep expat aviators in the loop.

🛩️ At this year’s Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo, Sheltair and Avfuel teamed up once again to fuel more than just aircraft—donating over $21,000 to the Aerospace Center for Excellence and the Tampa Bay Wing of the Commemorative Air Force. The contribution comes from a tradition of giving back 10 cents for every gallon of fuel pumped during the event. It's the fifth year running that these aviation partners have supported youth aviation education and historic preservation at Lakeland Linder Airport.

🛩️ Airbus is pushing the A400M beyond military missions with a promising new role—fighting wildfires. In recent tests in France, the aircraft successfully deployed its roll-on, roll-off firefighting system, dropping up to 20,000 liters of retardant with precision. The system is designed for rapid conversion, allowing any A400M to join the firefight as wildfires become a growing global threat.

PilotTube

This legendary clip, filmed back in 1996, has become one of the most iconic Spitfire moments ever caught on camera—and now there’s a version with the swearing bleeped out. Shot as the intro to the documentary Spitfire: The 60th Anniversary, it captures raw emotion, roaring Merlin engines and pure aviation magic. 😎 

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