MEMPHIS, Tenn., Oct. 18, 2018—FedEx Express (FedEx), a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) and the world’s largest express transportation company, today announced it is providing $2.5 million to create scholarships dedicated to easing the financial burden of rising education costs on the next generation of aviation professionals.
FedEx Express created the FedEx Purple Runway Aviation Scholarship program and is collaborating with six universities and technical schools from around the country that provide valuable education and training for aspiring pilots, aircraft maintenance technicians and other aviation professionals.
David Cunningham, president and CEO of FedEx Express, said the U.S. education system should sharpen its focus on preparing young people for the good-paying jobs in the aviation industry that are needed to support growing international and domestic trade.
“E-commerce is driving increasing demands on both air and ground transportation networks at a time when large numbers of workers in these fields are retiring, or nearing retirement,” Cunningham said. “We are working with schools to strengthen the pipeline of talented and diverse pilots, mechanics and other aviation professionals. The FedEx Purple Runway Aviation Scholarship helps lay that foundation for an individual to have a promising and successful career in the industry that FedEx Express created.”
The $2.5 million in grants will go toward dedicated aviation scholarships at the University of Memphis, Delta State University, University of North Dakota, Indiana State University, Tennessee College of Applied Technology, and Arkansas State University Mid-South.
The FedEx Purple Runway Aviation Scholarship is an extension of the Company’s recently announced aviation pathways program Purple Runway – A FedEx Pathways Program that was announced April 2, 2018. This industry-leading pilot development program is designed to assist two FedEx Express feeder operators with the recruitment and retention of pilots who wish to develop their skills and experiences to eventually qualify for pilot opportunities at FedEx Express.
More information about Purple Runway – A FedEx Pathways Program is available at: www.fedexpurplerunway.com
Photo: From left to right: Cris Perkins, Tennessee College of Applied Technology; Dr. Stephen McCaskey, Indiana State University; Dr. Debra West, Arkansas State University Mid-South; Bill West, FedEx Express; Tim Leonard, FedEx Express; Scott Ogden, FedEx Express; Kent Lovelace, University of North Dakota; Dr. Billy Moore, Delta State University; Dr. Joanne Gikas, University of Memphis
About FedEx Express
FedEx Express is the world’s largest express transportation company, providing fast and reliable delivery to more than 220 countries and territories. FedEx Express uses a global air-and-ground network to speed delivery of time-sensitive shipments, by a definite time and date with a money-back guarantee*
*Subject to relevant terms and conditions.
About FedEx Corp.
FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenues of $67 billion, the company offers integrated business solutions through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world’s most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 425,000 team members to remain focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. To learn more about how FedEx connects people and possibilities around the world, please visit about.fedex.com.