October 2023

PHX’s Success = Arizona’s Success

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is the largest economic engine in the state of Arizona. But what does that mean? The airport provides significant opportunities for those in the state. To put it simply, a successful and thriving Phoenix Sky Harbor drives a booming Arizona.

Did you know the Phoenix Airport system, which also consists of two general aviation airports – Phoenix Deer Valley and Phoenix Goodyear, represents an annual $38 billion economic impact, according to a 2017 study by Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business Seidman Research Institute?

Here are some important stats:

• PHX drives a direct economic impact of $12.3 billion.
• PHX supports a combined workforce of more than 57,000 employees.
• The airport supports 269,000 regional jobs. That would be enough to make it the 6^th largest city in the entire state.
• Each day, more than 1,200 flights arrive and depart.
• More than 130,000 passengers pass through PHX’s terminals daily. That’s almost equivalent to filling the State Farm Stadium twice for an Arizona Cardinals game.
• PHX offers travelers more than 120 nonstop domestic destinations and more than 20 international destinations.
• State and local taxes generated by airport-related activity total more than $2.2 billion annually. That’s more than the entire Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the island nation of Saint Lucia.

Phoenix Sky Harbor is not only a vital economic engine for the state but provides substantial benefits for residents and businesses by providing an important connection to cities across the country and globe. For example, nonstop international flights generate more than $3.4 billion dollars each year. The Airport also facilitates the arrival of inbound visitors and goods and services that enhance the local economy. Nowhere has this been more evident than earlier this year when Arizona played host to the Super Bowl. The economic impact from the Super Bowl in Arizona identified that the more than one hundred thousand visitors who came to the state for the Big Game spent more than $220 million. And, how did the majority of those visitors get to Arizona? By arriving at Phoenix Sky Harbor. In fact, the airport saw its busiest day ever the Monday after Super Bowl when more than 200,000 people came through the terminals.

But the Airport isn’t just seeing high passenger traffic numbers for special events. In 2022, Phoenix Sky Harbor served more than 44 million passengers. This year so far, the Airport’s passenger traffic is 3.2 percent higher than 2019, a record-breaking year for the Airport. The Airport is on track to exceed those numbers this year thanks to a number of large-scale events in the area and Arizona being a well sought-after destination.

And even though Phoenix Sky Harbor, Phoenix Deer Valley and Phoenix Goodyear airports are owned by the city of Phoenix, operations at these airports cost local taxpayers nothing. Only airport users pay for the airport.

Phoenix Sky Harbor is an important part of the community just as airports in general play a significant role in economic growth for local communities. According to the 2017 “Taking America Beyond the Horizon: The Economic Impact of Commercial Service Airports” by Airports Council International – North America, commercial airports in the U.S. exceed $1.4 trillion in economic activity and support more than 11.5 million jobs with a payroll of $428 billion.

Investment in local airports is a sound investment in the future. It’s the guaranteed way to continue to help Phoenix and Arizona thrive.

Read more about Phoenix Sky Harbor’s economic impact.

Remembering an Industry Icon

It is with great sadness that we share that Carl Newman passed away earlier this month. Carl Newman was well-known in Phoenix and in the airport industry.

He began his career with the City of Phoenix in 1978 in the Police Department. In 1980, he followed his dream of working in aviation when he accepted a job at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. In his more than 30 years at Phoenix Sky Harbor, Carl witnessed tremendous change and growth in the Aviation industry, and he led our system of airports to embrace the change to lead the industry for the benefit of our community. During his time in the Department, he served in a number of roles including, Deputy Aviation Director, Facilities Superintendent, Airside Operations Manager and Assistant Aviation Director.

After retiring from the City of Phoenix, Carl accepted a leadership role at the Houston Airports System.  He then went to lead the Jackson Medgar Evers Airport in Jackson, Mississippi, before returning home to Phoenix where he briefly served as Airport Director for the Glendale Municipal Airport.

Carl was a steadfast champion of employee development, equity, and inclusion.  He was also very engaged in the aviation industry, having served as Chair of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). He was recently awarded AAAE’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award, for his life-long commitment to the association and to our industry.

Carl was also an avid sports fan and licensed pilot. His legacy that he leaves to Phoenix and the industry will not be forgotten.

Parking Reservation for Holiday Travel Season Already in Full Swing

The holidays will be here before we know it and now is the time to start making your parking plans if you are traveling for the Thanksgiving or December holidays.

Passengers planning to park at the airport are encouraged to book parking in advance. More information on parking can be found on our parking page, including discounts and real-time parking availability. Passengers wishing to rent a car are also encouraged to make early reservations to ensure vehicle availability.

Additional travel tips are available at skyharbor.com.

Canadian Destinations Abound this Fall

Lynx Air celebrated their new Toronto service with an inaugural flight celebration on Oct. 12. Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego joined Lynx’s new CEO Jim Sullivan for the route launch marking the continued US expansion. This is the airline’s second Canadian destination from Phoenix. They began service to Calgary in February. The new flights between Phoenix and Toronto will operate three times a week. Learn more about Lynx Air at FlyLynx.com.

Flair Airlines will operate 11 flights a week from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, including a new route to Calgary, Alberta, that will fly four times a week beginning in Oct. 30. Flair will be the fourth carrier to offer flights to Canada, joining Air Canada, WestJet and Lynx Air. Flair will also be operating flights between Vancouver and Phoenix this fall with Edmonton service starting early next year. Flair Airlines flies to 35 different cities across the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Takeoff to Toronto

Canada is a country that as a travel destination features something for everyone. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport offers nonstop flights to destinations across Canada. And, as of October 12, Phoenicians have another flight option – Lynx’s new nonstop flight to Toronto Pearson International Airport. The flight will operate three times a week. This is in addition to Air Canada’s and WestJet’s service to Toronto.

What’s there to do in the vibrant city of Toronto? Plenty.

• Explore the Neighborhoods. Each of Toronto’s neighborhoods has its own character. From the eclectic Kensington Market to Yorkville to the artsy Queen Street West, there’s much to check out. Are you a foodie? Neighborhoods like Chinatown, Greektown and Little Italy offer delicious options.
  
  
• Visit the CN Tower. An icon of the city, the CN Tower is something to add to your must do list. Take a ride up the elevator to the observation deck for great views of the city and Lake Ontario. Feeling adventurous? Try the Edgewalk on the outside of the building.
  
  
• Go Big on Arts and Culture. The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) features works by Canadian and international artists. The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) takes visitors on a journey through art, history, and natural science.
  
  
• Check out the Harborfront and Toronto Islands. Relax along the harbor with its parks and bike paths. Take a ferry to nearby islands for great views of the Toronto skyline and meandering.
  
  
• See a Show. Catch a show in the Theater District.
  
  
• Sports Lovers Rejoice. Attend a game when you’re in town. Toronto has everything for sports enthusiasts. See the Toronto Maple Leafs hockey games, a Toronto Blue Jays baseball game or a Toronto Raptors basketball game, among others.

Toronto boosts so much to do in a friendly, urban environment. Learn more by visiting Destination Toronto.

And, to see all the places you can visit from America’s Friendliest Airport®, visit our Where We Fly page.

Condor Wraps Up Successful PHX Season, Prepares for Brand New Aircraft to Fly PHX Next Season

Condor Airlines, in September, wrapped up a very successful season that started in May with nonstop flights from Phoenix to Frankfurt, Germany. The service was three times weekly, up from twice weekly in 2022.

International service at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport has increased year over year as well as compared to pre-pandemic. In fact, there have been 12.9% more international arrivals from January to September of 2023 as compared to the same period in 2019.

Starting in May 2024, Condor will be serving Phoenix to Frankfurt with a brand-new look and aircraft.

The route will be serviced on Condor’s new, fuel-efficient Airbus A330-900neo aircraft, the most planet-friendly aircraft in the skies, sporting Condor’s eye-catching striped livery. The aircraft reduces fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions by 20 percent. The A330neo consumes just a half a gallon of fuel, per passenger, per 62 miles flown -- well below the industry average. It is the first aircraft in the world already certified for the regulatory reduction in CO₂ emissions, which will be required by 2028, and that subsequently will reduce travelers’ environmental footprint.

The A330neo offers unrivalled inflight passenger comfort and will accommodate 310 passengers (compared to the 259-seat 767 aircraft previously serving Phoenix) featuring 30 seats in Business, 64 seats in Premium Economy and 216 seats in Economy class. The A330neo features an award-winning, whisper quiet Airspace cabin, providing passengers with a high level of comfort, ambience, and design. This includes offering more personal space, larger overhead bins, a new lighting system, and the ability to offer the latest in-flight entertainment systems and connectivity.

The A330neo Condor Business Class offers 30, lie-flat (180 degree) seats in a 1-2-1 configuration with direct aisle access for all guests. The seat conveniently converts to a 76-inch long by 19-inch-wide bed. Business Class guests have access to the latest movies, series, podcasts, and games, all accessible on a 17.3-inch screen in 4K mode, with touchscreen and remote control.  The first row of Business Class will also feature four “Prime Seats”, with added space large enough to accommodate two guests who wish to dine together and an extra large, 24-inch entertainment screen. The “Prime Seats” will feature added in-flight amenities.

You will no doubt see it arrive and depart from Phoenix with its new stripped, eye-catching livery. And its business class has been not only enhanced but will be double in size.

In a review last year, Zach Griff with The Points Guy stated, “Nowhere is that more apparent than in the business-class cabin, which now features a product that'll rival (and even beat) what many of Condor's larger competitors offer.”

Plus, Condor's partnerships let you easily connect throughout Europe through Lufthansa, as well in the U.S. with partnerships with JetBlue, Alaska and others.

“Following a busy summer in Phoenix, Condor is thrilled to be returning to Sky Harbor with our brand new A330neo aircraft on the only nonstop flight from Phoenix to Frankfurt,” said Mikko Turtiainen, Director of Sales, The Americas. “The A330neo will not only bring added capacity to this route, but it is a game changer in the level of passenger comfort that we are able to offer our guests.  We are particularly excited to introduce the Phoenix market to the Condor A330neo Business Class product with our lie-flat, direct aisle access seats and of course our award-winning onboard service that has been a constant for us.”

Flights will run on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays arriving in Phoenix at 5:40 p.m. or 6:05 p.m. and departing Phoenix 7:30 p.m. or 8 p.m.

Condor’s flight can be booked online at www.condor.com or by telephone at 1‐866‐960‐7915.

For more information on all the places you can fly from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, visit https://www.skyharbor.com/flights/where-we-fly/

Bobbie Flay Just Opened A Handcrafted Burger Restaurant in Phoenix and It’s A Must-Try

We shared with you last month the great new eateries and shops inside Terminal 4’s new Eighth Concourse. Five new restaurants and two new shops opened.

Check out this review from MSN and see the excitement when Bobby Flay himself stopped by the airport to serve up burgers.

Wings for Autism® Shares Successful Air Experience Rehearsal with Families

Even the most seasoned traveler can be overwhelmed as Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport continues to have a record-breaking year in passenger numbers.

Now imagine being surrounded with the loud noises and constant movement of an airport terminal while traveling with a child with autism.

The October 13th Wings for Autism® event brought together The Arc of Arizona, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and American Airlines to provide a controlled and real experience for 120 members of the autism community at the B-gates of Terminal 4.

In its eighth year at the airport, the program gives children with autism and their families an opportunity to do a rehearsal without the uncontrollable factors of real travel.

“Loud places, unfamiliar routines, big groups of people all moving in different directions, it can be overwhelming,” Melanie Soto, the State Director of The Arc of Arizona explains.

The simulation allows families an opportunity to see if this is something their child would struggle with and to find other coping mechanisms to make air travel successful as they experience all the traditional parts of travel.

Families comes to the airport with baggage in tow and they get to experience the entire process from checking in, getting a boarding pass, going through TSA, and even boarding a plane. 

During the rehearsal, the airplane engines are running so kids can feel – and hear – what that is like. The planes don't actually leave the ground, but when it's time for "takeoff" the cabin door is closed, and safety announcements are made before a short taxi on the plane so the kids can feel the movement they would experience in a normal trip.

Visit the Arc of Arizona to learn more about the Wings for Autism program.

Tis the Season of Giving at PHX; 12 Days of Gratitude Returns

With holiday music and decorations already out in most stores, the festive holiday season is not far away … especially when making travel plans.

America’s Friendliest Airport® is already making plans too. The 12 Days of Gratitude guest appreciation initiative that debuted last year will be back.

From December 4-15, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport will be hosting the 12 Days of Gratitude. Over the course of the 12 days, passengers will find activities taking place both pre-and post-security in both terminals. They will have the opportunity to win prizes, take photos with our mascot Amelia the Airplane or our furry Navigator Buddies, participate in art activities and more. There will also plenty of opportunities to share gratitude whether it is through the USO and thanking the military or on a provided paper airplane of gratitude that will be displayed in the terminals through the holiday.

Be sure to watch skyharbor.com and our social media channels for updates on the days and times these activities will occur.

Phoenix Sky Harbor to Simulate an Emergency

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport will hold its 2023 Triennial Exercise during the evening on Wednesday, October 25.

Every three years, the federal government requires airports like Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to conduct a full-scale emergency exercise. In addition to meeting the federal requirement, the Triennial Exercise will allow the Phoenix Aviation Department, Phoenix Fire, Phoenix Police, several airlines, and other agencies to test emergency procedures and deliver crucial hands-on training.

The exercise will simulate an aircraft emergency at Phoenix Sky Harbor on the south side of the Airport. It will be confined to one specific location but may be visible to passengers.

The exercise will not extend to public areas of the terminals and will have no impact to operations at Phoenix Sky Harbor.

Pawsitive Spotlight: Tipper and the Jersey Girl

Vicki Broman calls herself a pure-bred New Jersey girl, but after living in Arizona for over 35 years, she is an honorary Arizonan, too. Vicki and her three-year-old pure-bred Irish Wolfhound, Tipper, belong to the Desert Irish Wolfhound Association, and they’re one of our newest Navigator Buddy teams. They’re no strangers to Phoenix Sky Harbor, though. When Vicki was training Tipper to become a certified therapy animal, they did a lot of that training here at PHX. When a friend told them about our Navigator Buddy program, they jumped on the opportunity to join!

Along with their work with us at the airport, Vicki and Tipper also volunteer at Phoenix Children’s Hospital and the Via Linda Behavioral Health Hospital. Considered “small” by Wolfhound standards, Tipper is one of the biggest Buddies on the team. When this gentle giant isn’t at home playing with his favorite stuffed bear or snacking on those delicious peanut butter treats, he loves greeting travelers and receiving the love right back in the form of belly scratches, hugs, and caresses.

His favorite interactions are by far with children. Vicki recounts the time they ran into a mother and her 18-month-old boy who absolutely loved Tipper! He giggled and petted Tipper over and over again, and when they thought the meet up was over, Vicki noticed the boy following them around the terminal. They had to stop so he and his mom could catch up to them for another round of hugs and giggles.

When given a chance, Vicki always likes to emphasize just how important our Navigator Buddy program is to the airport and travelers alike. “The people that work at the terminals really enjoy seeing the dogs – especially the TSA staff. The smiles that Tipper brings to travelers and staff alike are priceless.” We think this mighty duo is also priceless, and they deserve all the thanks and gratitude for the many hours of volunteer work and for the joy they bring. Welcome to the team, Vicki and Tipper!

The Navigator Buddies volunteer a minimum of 2.25 hours per week. If you are interested in becoming a Navigator Buddy team, you must be registered and in good standing with a qualified pet therapy organization and have six months or more of dog therapy experience. Handlers must be at least 18 years or older and dogs must be one year or older. You must also be a year-round resident of Arizona. To learn more about our PHX Navigator and Navigator Buddy program, visit skyharbor.com/volunteer.

Out of this World Exhibition “Lands” at Phoenix Sky Harbor

A NASA space mission to a small, metallic ‘world’ captured the imagination of university students around the country. The mission’s destination, Psyche, is an asteroid located between Mars and Jupiter that may offer a unique window into Earth’s core.

Psyche appears to consist of exposed nickel-iron core material of an early building block of a planet. The NASA mission to visit Psyche, led by Arizona State University (ASU), will explore the origin of planetary cores by orbiting the asteroid for more than two years, mapping and studying its properties. The mission launched on Friday, Oct. 13.

The Phoenix Airport Museum exhibition, Psyche: Mission to a Metal World, presents a diverse range of artwork by students involved in ASU’s Psyche-Inspired internship program. Each year, the program accepts 16 undergraduate students from any university in the U.S. Through creative works, the students interpret the mission’s data, predict outcomes and even develop science-fiction based scenarios.

Before you prepare for takeoff, check out these captivating paintings, sculptures, animations and more from the Psyche Inspired program. Highlights include a 6-foot-tall personified “asteroid robot” and vivid illustrations anticipating the asteroid’s surface. Visitors can also learn fun facts about Psyche and the NASA mission to visit it.

You don’t need a ticket to view this out-of-this-world exhibition, on display in Terminal 3, level 2 near the security checkpoint through early 2024. Check out skyharbor.com/museum for a full list of the Museum’s exhibits.

Not To Miss Activities in Asheville

Nature, craft beer, live music, and more await you in one of the newest destinations you can visit from America’s Friendliest Airport®. In May, Allegiant launched nonstop service to Asheville, North Carolina. The flights operate on Mondays and Fridays.

Here are some ideas of things to do as you plan your trip:

Explore the Biltmore Estate. Did you know the Biltmore Estate is America’s largest privately-owned home? Tour the opulent mansion and stroll through the gardens. Pro tip: Visit during the holidays to see their gorgeous décor.

Go Hiking. Grab your hiking boots and visit the trails in the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. See panoramic viewpoints like Chimney Rock.

Craft Beer. Take a brewery tour in Beer City USA. Many local breweries await visitors.

Downtown Diversions. Asheville’s downtown features local boutiques and unique eateries. Enjoy farm-to-table dining and find one-of-a-kind items during your shopping exploration.

Discover the River Arts District. This district hosts more than 200 working studios and galleries. Find artists creating paintings, pottery and more.

Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway. Take a drive on an iconic roadway for beautiful views. Stop to see waterfalls and take incredible photos.

And, be sure to check out the local event calendar for all the live music and other events taking place throughout the city.

Asheville is a great to visit anytime with its beautiful scenery and abundant activities. Learn more from Explore Asheville.

Childcare Center Plans Arrive at PHX

Finding childcare is one of the biggest challenges working parents face and that is why Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport launched an Airport Worker Child Care Scholarship Program last year. This added benefit for workers in the aviation industry helps provide safe, quality, and affordable childcare so that airport workers are able to return to work as the aviation industry sees traveling surpass pre-pandemic numbers.

The City of Phoenix Aviation Department which runs the airport has entered the final design phase of a childcare facility that will be located at the 44^th Street PHX Sky Train® station to assist airport workers with on-site childcare.

The City used American Rescue Plan Act funding and will use additional funding allotted by the City Council toward building the shell of the new childcare facility. The city will then turn over to space to a contracted vendor to run the facility. In the meantime, the airport continues to help airport workers find other local childcare through their ongoing childcare scholarship program until the new center is built.

For more information about the program's specific requirements or to apply, visit vsuw.org/PHXSkyHarbor.

Come Land with Us and Work for the Airport

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport hosts monthly job fairs to help prospective employees get hired at PHX. The success of the job fairs has resulted in the monthly job fairs being extended into 2024.

The next PHX Job Fair will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 7. The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the 44th Street PHX Sky Train® Station located at 44th and Washington streets. The station is easily accessible by bus and Valley Metro Rail and a transit pass will be offered to attendees. Parking is also available.

No preregistration is required to attend.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is a dynamic and exciting place to work, and there are many flexible opportunities for part-time and full-time careers. When you join our workforce of more than 57,000-strong, you’re joining a group comprised of City of Phoenix employees; partner airline staff; vendor and contractor team members; and an army of dedicated customer service professionals. Representatives from each of these areas will be present to answer any questions and help attendees take their first step toward joining our team.

To learn more and to see positions being recruited by the airport and their partners, visit skyharbor.com/jobs, which is updated monthly before each job fair.

Share Your Feel-Good Stories

As America’s Friendliest Airport®, we love our employees. And, we want to thank them for the great work they do. Have you experienced exceptional customer service? Tell us so we can recognize that employee.

Email us details and be sure to check our social media sites every Friday when we feature one of our outstanding employees who has received an On-the-FLY Award.

A recent visitor to Phoenix Sky Harbor found herself a long way from her car without remembering where she parked, and an airport employee came to her rescue.

Richard V., an Aviation Supervisor with the City of Phoenix Aviation Department, came to her assistance, listening patiently and walking with the customer from Terminal 4 to the far end of an economy parking lot where she found her car.

“He did an excellent job, genuinely wanting to help without judgment,” she said in nominating Richard for recognition.

Richard’s patience with the lost guest in a difficult situation is a testament to his professionalism and service to all customers and is why he was recognized by Sky Harbor’s Customer Service On the FLY team (F = Friendly. L = Let me help. Y = You.)

Birdwatcher’s Report

You are not seeing double, there are two 777s on hand to take the team and family and friends of the Arizona Cardinals to California for their matchup with the LA Rams.

Photo courtesy Jeff Wainscott, International and Terminal Operations Manager.