April 2011

Don't get grounded. Let Notes provide you and your friends with key airport information. If you would like to have the Notes
bi-monthly newsletter sent to you, click here to sign up.

Airport Cities a Big Success for Memphis and Memphis International Airport

For three days in April, the world of aviation was focused on one city and one airport – Memphis and Memphis International – as the prestigious Airport Cities World Conference and Exposition came to town. It was, without a doubt, the largest gathering of its kind ever assembled in Memphis, and the city did not disappoint.

A record number of 630 exhibitors, delegates and speakers from more than 40 countries attended the event, and media from around the world followed the news and activities. While many in attendance were familiar with the concept of an Aerotropolis, very few had actually experienced one. In conjunction with the Greater Memphis Chamber, and the Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority made sure that the international guests came away with a full understanding of our community as a destination for business and tourism. Delegates came away understanding not just how an Airport City works, but how a Quadra-Model transportation center (Runway, Road, Rail and River) works together for the common community benefit…more »

Memphis and Paris Sign Historic Pact

One of the most concrete benefits of the Airport Cities Conference was the signing of a letter of intent between business and government officials from Memphis and Paris to foster closer trade ties and develop mutually supportive Aerotropolis activities, all growing from their respective FedEx hubs.

The signing ceremony included Maurice Leroy, France’s minister of urban planning; Memphis Mayor AC Wharton; and Larry Cox, CEO of Memphis International Airport. Development of mutually beneficial bio-medical, time sensitive and high value manufacturing, and products and business centered on the activities at the two airports is the focus of the pact. Paris and Memphis are the primary FedEx hubs for North America and Europe, and the agreement is intended to make it easier for the two cities to do business building for the hubs.

With the inclusion of China’s Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, a global network covering the world’s airports can be created.

Signing the letter of intent between Memphis and Paris are (left to right): John Moore, President & CEO, Greater Memphis Chamber; Larry Cox, President & CEO, Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority; Arnold Perl, Chairman, Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority; Memphis Mayor AC Wharton, Jr.; Maurice Leroy, French Minister of the City, in charge of the major urban project called “Le Grand Paris”; Jean-Claude Detilleux, President of PREDA/Hubstart Paris©; François Cangardel, Real Estate Director, member of the executive board; and Alain Chaillé, President of Aerotropolis Europe.