FedEx brings back classic livery on B777 in tribute to founder

Arkansas: FedEx Express has brought back one of its historic aircraft designs, repainting a Boeing 777 freighter in a retro livery as part of celebrations honoring company foun-der Frederick W. Smith. The special colors appear on Boeing 777-200F registered N884FD, featuring a light-purple upper fuselage separated from its white lower section by a prominent orange stripe. The aircraft was unveiled on August 11, marking what would have been Smith's 82nd birthday. Smith, who founded FedEx and died at age 80 in June 2025, is being remembered through a series of initiatives highlighting his contribution to the company and the communities it serves. The aircraft, named "Rosie" after one of Smith's granddaughters, was repainted in New Iberia, Louisiana, after departing FedEx's Memphis hub in late July. It subsequently returned to Memphis as flight FX1944, with the flight number reflecting Smith's birth year. The aircraft's return was also significant because it was the first ceremonial landing at the carrier's Memphis hub since the airport was renamed Frederick W. Smith International Airport in his honor. Memphis has served as the heart of FedEx's global air cargo network for more than five decades. The retrojet is expected to remain part of the company's active fleet.