March 2025
Aviation Business Summit Recognition Program Honors Airport Partners
The Aviation Business Summit Recognition Program was put together to recognize and thank current business partners for the excellent work they have done over the last year supporting our three airports. Our goal is to showcase and highlight success stories, partnership efforts, and extraordinary work that goes above and beyond expected duties. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners.
The ACDBE Retail Champion recognizes a current ACDBE partner for terrific work in the terminal retail space over the last year. Maja 3 Art, Inc. is this year’s honoree. Teresa G. Dominguez exemplifies exceptional leadership, innovation, and dedication to her community through her role as President of MAJA 3 Art, Inc., and her extensive contributions to airport retail operations and nonprofit sectors. Teresa demonstrates commitment to uplifting others and supporting local communities: Partnering with the Airport’s USO to promote the "Treat Our Troops" program and building relationships with organizations like the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center, among others.
The ACDBE Food and Beverage Champion award recognizes a current ACDBE partner for outstanding work in the terminal food & beverage space over the last year. Congratulations to Grand Isle Yogurt Inc. for their commitment to serving travelers at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The Grand Isle Yogurt story encapsulates the journey of a small, family-run business that has thrived in a competitive airport environment by prioritizing adaptability, customer service, and family values. Grand Isle Yogurt is a business partner that participates in many airport opportunities including, participation in airport job fairs, the airline voucher program, USO partnership/veteran discounts and continues reputation as a stellar restaurant operator within our PHX Concessions Program.
Facilities & Services Business Champion award recognizes a current business partner for remarkable work and partnership with our Facilities & Services Division. Aire-Master of Phoenix was presented with the award. Since Aire Master was awarded the contract in July of 2021, they’ve come in and installed more than 300 air fresheners/diffusers throughout Phoenix Sky Harbor, Goodyear and Deer Valley airport restrooms and pet relief areas.
The Design Excellence Champion creates meaningful, functional, and innovative designs that enhance people's lives and leave a lasting impact. This year’s award winner is LEA Architects, LLC. They provide architectural support to our JOC program when designs and plans for permitting are needed. They look to address existing issues in and around ongoing work to make sure the airport is provided with a quality and complete project.
At America’s Friendliest Airport®, customer service is a top priority. Our On-The-FLY Awards recognize airport staff who provide outstanding guest service and have gone above and beyond to help travelers with their needs. The Overall Airport Guest Experience Champion recognizes the airport partner who has received the most recognition throughout the year with the highest number of employees receiving On-the-FLY Awards. The company who had the most employees receive On-the-FLY awards in 2024 is CASA Unlimited Enterprises. CASA had seven different employees receive FLY awards in 2024, and the consistent theme with all these recipients was that they went above and beyond in providing exceptional service to our customers.
The Transportation Services Champion category recognizes outstanding transportation business partners who provide uninterrupted transportation of airport customers. This year we have two honorees. Their prompt response has enhanced the PHX experience and minimized travel impacts to our customers. The first honoree is Transdev Services, Inc. They have been a longstanding contracted business partner since 1997. They have in-depth knowledge of the airport campus to assist with bus transportation needs and a commitment to customer service.
The second honoree in the Transportation Service Champion category is JET Limousine & Transportation. They have been a business partner since 2013, and have extensive knowledge of the transportation industry, and maintain a high-level of care to their vehicle operations and maintenance.
The General Aviation Business Champion category recognizes a current business partner for remarkable work at our general aviation airports. This year, we have two honorees. Lux Air Jet Centers, an FBO at Goodyear Airport, has consistently demonstrated excellence in various aspects of accommodating pilots, servicing aircraft, and coordinating ramp operations, making a positive impact on our operations and our community. Lux Air was instrumental in the coordination and support of several high-profile events including the Super Bowl, NCAA Final Four event, and NASCAR. Their customer service provides an amazing first and last impression of GYR and the West Valley.
Serco previously managed the Airport Traffic Control Tower at Goodyear Airport and demonstrated outstanding partnership with airport tenants, pilots, FBO, and flight schools. They provided exemplary service to pilots at GYR accommodating diverse types of activity, including significant student pilot training, corporate aircraft, large commercial service aircraft for maintenance operations, helicopter traffic, and military operations.
The Spirit of Operational Excellence Champion recognizes an exceptional partner that provides the spirit of excellence during changing and complex operations. This year’s honoree is the 161st Air Refueling Wing Goldwater Air National Guard Base. They are adaptable to Airside Operations activities, serve as a key partner for FAA Mandated Triennial Exercises, have been a collaborate partner for special events such as the Super Bowl, and work collaboratively with the airport to provide innovative solutions.
The Aviation Phenomenal Champion of the Year recognizes one partner for excellent work with our department as the business champion of the year. We are proud to recognize The Weitz Company. They’ve been involved in many projects from our Terminal 4 Food and Beverage infrastructure improvements to supporting the design of our PHX Sky Train® Maintenance Facility to assisting with our baggage handling system project. They provide recommendations and solutions to ensure that the airport’s needs are met.
The Aviation Compass Champion award recognizes the distinguished career of an exceptional individual whose steadfast pioneering spirit and unwavering commitment and dedication profoundly shaped Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. We are pleased to recognize Gregory Torrez for his many years of service and dedication to the City of Phoenix Aviation Department. Apart from his unending commitment to our airports, he has also been a strong pillar in the community, and in the Aviation industry he serves. For these reasons, we recognize Greg as the first ever “Aviation Compass Champion.”