The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has celebrated the completion of 3.3 million-square-foot de-icing pad at Memphis International Airport, FedEx’s largest air cargo sorting facility.
The pad can de-ice 12 wide-body cargo aircraft simultaneously, which will help transport goods more efficiently.
US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said:This holiday season and every season, it’s critical that American families and businesses get the goods they need when they need them. Memphis International Airport is the biggest cargo airport in the country, and this innovative aircraft de-icing facility is one of the many ways we’re modernising America’s supply chains.
The FAA invested 174 million USD in this 330 million USD project, which enables more environmentally friendly de-icing procedures.
The new pads have a segregated drainage system and large-volume containers to collect de-icing fluid. The fluid’s release is then metered into the sanitary sewer system, where it breaks down and helps sanitise city wastewater.
In addition, the new de-icing pads at Memphis International Airport are equipped with message boards that eliminate the need for audio communication with pilots. Meanwhile, taxiway lead-in lights remove the need for follow-me vehicles or marshallers, and infrared cameras help position airplanes in the de-icing bays.
Richard W. Smith, president and CEO, FedEx Express said:We want to thank the US Dept. of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration and Memphis International Airport for their support of this new Consolidated De-icing Facility - an example of how to deploy technology to improve operational efficiency,” said. “The timing could not be better as FedEx enters the busy holiday season. This facility is a shining example of how we can help ensure our team members are safely operating throughout the winter season as we deliver outstanding service for our customers.
This project is part of the FAA’s ongoing initiative to help airports prepare for winter weather, which also recently awarded 76.2 million USD to support the purchase of snowplows and de-icing equipment at 85 US airports.
