Memphis International Airport Celebrates Consolidated Deicing Facility Grand Opening

TN – The grand opening for Memphis International Airport’s Consolidated De-Icing Facility was held on Tuesday, November 29. Dignitaries and leaders from Memphis and Washington, D.C., joined the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority in celebrating the facility, which was completed just in time for the heavy holiday cargo season.

Among the speakers at the event were U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) Deputy Administrator A. Bradley Mims, Congressman Steve Cohen, City of Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland, MSCAA Board Chairman Michael Keeney, and Memphis International Airport President and CEO Scott Brockman.

“This holiday season and every season, it’s critical that American families and businesses get the goods they need when they need them,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Memphis International Airport is the biggest cargo airport in the country, and this innovative aircraft deicing facility is one of the many ways we’re modernizing America’s supply chains.”

The facility is one of the largest of its kind in the world. It provides a centralized location for passenger and cargo airlines to perform deicing operations immediately before takeoff, which will streamline airline operations and lessen the chances of cancellations and delays. The total cost of the facility was $309 million, including FAA funding of $174 million and MSCAA funding of $135 million.

“Innovative projects like this are key to improving safety, increasing efficiency, and advancing sustainability across the country,” said Deputy FAA Administrator A. Bradley Mims.

The new facility represents more environmentally friendly deicing operations with highly sophisticated drainage and collection capabilities. There are 12 deicing pads at the facility capable of serving both large and smaller aircraft. Ground traffic at the CDF is coordinated from the new 1600-square-foot control tower, and electronic message boards aid pilots at each bay and queuing location.

“We want to thank the U.S. 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 Richard W. Smith, President, and CEO, FedEx Express. “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 is the culmination of approximately ten years of planning, stress, resilience, partnership, and collaboration,” said Scott Brockman, MSCAA President and CEO. “The CDF will improve operations for passenger and cargo carriers and provide the new standard in winter operations and aircraft deicing management.”

The event also provided MSCAA leaders, Mayor Strickland and Congressman Cohen, to meet with Secretary Buttigieg to discuss future funding needs for projects such as the modernization of the ticket lobbies and baggage areas.