The grand opening for Memphis International Airport’s Consolidated Deicing Facility was held Nov. 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 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 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 prior to 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 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 pilots are aided by electronic message boards at each bay and at queuing locations.
“We want to thank the U.S. Dept. of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration and Memphis International Airport for their support of this new Consolidated Deicing 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 10 years of planning, stress, resilience, partnership, and collaboration,” said Brockman. “The CDF will improve operations for both passenger and cargo carriers and will provide the new standard in winter operations and aircraft deicing management.”
The event also allowed MSCAA leaders, Strickland and Cohen to meet with Buttigieg to discuss future funding needs for projects such as modernization of the ticket lobbies and baggage areas.
