Remembering Frederick W. Smith: FedEx founder and member of the Orbis International Board of Directors

Orbis’s relationship with FedEx began in the early 1980s. What started with conversations between Orbis and FedEx leadership quickly grew into a decades-long collaboration. Mr. Smith’s personal involvement was central to this growth. In 1989, when Orbis was seeking a DC-10 to replace its aging DC-8 aircraft, Mr. Smith assigned FedEx executive Jack McHale to help negotiate the purchase. Jack went on to become a longtime friend of Orbis, ultimately serving as Orbis interim President and CEO, Board Member, and Board Member Emeritus until his passing in 2022.

Over the years, Mr. Smith’s support deepened. When our Flying Eye Hospital was grounded in Scotland in 1995 due to engine failure, Mr. Smith personally ensured FedEx delivered a replacement engine, covered all transport costs, and had the damaged engine repaired. This display of leadership led to Orbis honoring Mr. Smith and FedEx employees with the Orbis Global Citizenship Award in 1996, and then again in 2004. At the time, Mr. Smith said of his award, "Orbis represents the best that aviation, and people, can achieve for humankind. That's why FedEx has given Orbis our full and enduring commitment. All of us, working together, can help eradicate the tragedy of avoidable blindness."

Mr. Smith’s commitment to saving sight wasn’t limited to logistics and equipment. In 1999, he joined the Orbis Board of Directors and, shortly after, initiated discussions that would formalise FedEx’s role as a “Global Title Sponsor” of our projects around the world. In 2000, FedEx and Orbis launched the “Delivering Sight Worldwide” initiative, cementing a partnership that would touch every corner of Orbis’s work—from flying and maintaining the aircraft, to transporting life-changing medical equipment to hard-to-reach communities.

Under Mr. Smith’s leadership, FedEx committed many millions of dollars in financial, operational, and in-kind support; so much it is impossible to quantify. FedEx employees—engineers, pilots, translators, and more—joined Orbis programs around the world, contributing their expertise and passion to help others.

The FedEx MD-10 aircraft that now houses our state-of-the-art Flying Eye Hospital stands as a powerful, living tribute to this relationship. Donated by FedEx employees in 2010, the aircraft was just the beginning. FedEx also continues to contribute vital parts, maintenance, simulators, hangar space, training, and more.

Phil Kliewer, Orbis Flight Mechanic and former FedEx Managing Director, shared a memory that demonstrated what Mr. Smith’s leadership was about:

“I began my FedEx career in 1975. During those early years, Mr. Smith would walk the ramp and hub, taking time to speak with everyone. When a family member of an employee under my management faced a life-threatening crisis, action from the top levels of FedEx helped save her life. Later, when I thanked Mr. Smith in person, he simply said, ‘That’s what we do.’ He never sought recognition—he led by example, and that legacy of servant leadership continues to inspire many of us.”

Valerie Suberg, Orbis Senior Manager of Aircraft Maintenance, recalled multiple encounters with Mr. Smith over her 27-year career at FedEx:

“I first met Mr. Smith around 1989 at the Oakland Hub. He would drop by the mechanics' office and have casual conversations with the team. He was very down to earth. I was told how we once called Mr. Smith for help with an engine in Stansted Airport. Mr. Smith replied, ‘I can’t give it to you—but I’ll sell it to you for a dollar and send the team to install it.’ That was Fred—always practical, generous, and humble.”

Mr. Smith leaves behind a legacy not only of corporate innovation, but of compassion and global citizenship. Very simply, Orbis would not be the organization it is today without the support of Mr. Smith and FedEx. Orbis is proud to have had his support, guidance, and friendship over so many years.

On behalf of all Orbis staff and board members, we extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Smith’s family and the entire FedEx community.