June 2024
People of PHX – 40 years at Phoenix Sky Harbor
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport employs more than 47,000 people, and for some their career can span a couple of years or a couple of decades, or in this case, four decades. That’s right: Jay “Bo” Hutchinson has been working at America’s Friendliest Airport® for more than 40 years.
We recently asked Bo to share some of his memories and advice from all his time at the airport.
What has been the biggest change you've noticed over your 40 years at Phoenix Sky Harbor?
Wow, there are so many changes that I've seen. Terminal 1 was still open, the Terminal 1 tower was still here, a motel was still on the Phoenix Sky Harbor campus at the area of today’s West Economy Park and Walk, a new runway was built, and all the runways have been lengthened. The Air National Guard was located on the south side of Terminal 3, and Terminal 4 was built and expanded many times. The parking lots and structures have been in constant flux from the creation of East Economy Parking to the extensive expansion of the Terminal 4 garage. I even remember a gas station located where the current FAA tower is. So many changes it's hard to put them all down. I have seen no less than three FAA towers with the first tower from Terminal 1 now located on the south side of the airport. What is now Copperhead Road used to be 24th Street but the street was moved to the west so we could expand the runways. The Salt River was moved to the south to make room for the Air National Guard and rental cars were located at the terminals, not the Rental Car Center. Even buses were used to move passengers between terminals, parking lots, and other locations.
What's the best part of your job?
Well, when I started with the airport, I started as an automotive technician and did that for about 21 years. Then, I was able to move into Technology to work on the installation of all the emergency equipment on the vehicles (radios, lights, etc.). This provided me with the opportunity to advance to my current position. The best part of my job is the family that I have been able to be a part of in the Aviation Department. The airport has changed but the closeness of the people working here has always been great. We are the City of Phoenix, but the airport is a city of its own and I feel we work closer as one unit than anywhere else.
What's your favorite part about working at Phoenix Sky Harbor?
The people I work with by far.
What's been your favorite thing you've seen or witnessed in your time at the airport?
The growth has been unbelievable, and it never seems to have an end in sight. This constant change makes coming to work feel more like an adventure than a job. There is always something new or different, but there remains a strong sense of familiarity.
Is there anything you haven't gotten to do at the airport that you'd like to?
Not really. I come to work and hope that I can have a can-do attitude for whatever comes my way, in hopes that the work I do makes a difference.
What has kept you working at the airport all these years?
Mainly the people I have had the opportunity to work with. It has always been a great place to work. I can say that if I hadn't had the opportunity to come over to Technology, I think I would have retired by this time. In my current role, I am not stuck behind a desk, and I can meet new people every day. I get to interface and help the traveling public like someone meeting a family member or friend or assist a fellow airport employee. I feel I get paid to learn, grow, play with new things, and, oh yeah, work.