Thank you.
As you know, we are in the safety business at the FAA. But we are also in the innovation business, because constant innovation both compels and enables new safety approaches. We have to pursue our mission with an inventive spirit, and find new—and sustainable—ways to accomplish our goal. These new deicing pads here at Memphis International Airport do exactly that.

For example, their location near the runway allows more efficient movement of aircraft; this translates to a reduction in deicing delays and time pressure. Technologies like message boards and infrared cameras now guide planes into deicing bays. These improvements reduce the need for verbal instructions to pilots, which can minimize the chance of miscommunication. Environmental protection is also improved: the new system better prevents untreated deicing chemicals from draining into local water supplies. 

These are outstanding improvements, and I am proud that the FAA can be a part of these efforts. That includes investing into projects like this one through our many airport grants, to create good paying jobs and opportunities for businesses that haven’t had the opportunity to do work in aviation before. 

And while I’m on that thought, I want to acknowledge my friends from the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals and their Luke Weathers, Jr. Flight Academy who are here with us today. The Academy was, of course, named after Lieutenant Colonel Luke Weathers Jr., who was the first African American air traffic controller for the Federal Aviation Administration, and he was based right here at the Memphis International Airport! 

This professional pilot program provides the training and resources you need to go from zero experience to airline pilot within two to three years. I couldn’t be prouder to have them here. Thank  you, especially, Commissioner Albert Glenn—Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority Commissioner and Co Director of the Luke Weathers Flight Academy—for your efforts in guiding and training the next generation of pilots.

And of course, none of these improvements would have been possible without the hard work of all the people who planned and built this new facility from the ground up. 

The people of Memphis and the many visitors passing through this airport are all the better because of you. 

Today it’s obvious that exciting things are happening at Memphis International!  Congratulations to you all, and thank you for your important work.