Aviation Press Releases

Aug. 16, 2011

First PHX Sky Train™ Car Unveiled at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

Phoenix, AZ – Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport reached a major milestone on Aug. 16 when Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon unveiled the first PHX Sky Train™ car. Beginning in early 2013, the PHX Sky Train™ will transport Airport visitors between the regional METRO light rail system, Sky Harbor’s East Economy Parking and Terminal 4, which serves 80 percent of the airport’s passengers. By early 2015, the train will serve all of Phoenix Sky Harbor’s terminals. The PHX Sky Train™ will continue all the way to the Sky Harbor Rental Car Center by 2020.

Throughout 2012 Airport visitors will see the empty train cars being tested along the guide way. Train system operator, Bombardier began shipping the first 18 cars in August. They will be assembled into two and three-car trains. The driverless train will run on an electrically powered, center-rail guide way. More than 6 million passengers are expected to ride it in the first year. It will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“The Phoenix Sky Train will forever be known in Phoenix as one of the greatest, most forward-thinking projects of our time,” said Phoenix Aviation Director, Danny Murphy. “It will serve our customers well into the future.”

Construction of the first two sections of the PHX Sky Train™ is employing 8,000 people in the Phoenix area and more than 170 workers in Pittsburgh, Pa. “Train construction is on time and on budget,” said Murphy. “We are also very proud of the fact that the PHX Sky Train will be LEED certified.”

Key companies involved in the construction of the PHX Sky Train™ include:
Bombardier - Train System Provider/Operator
Weitz – General Contractor for Bombardier
Gannett Fleming - Facilities Designer
Hensel Phelps – Construction Manager for Stage 1
Lea+Elliott - Train System Consultant
McCarthy/Kiewit – Construction Manager for Stage 1a