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Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport’s Annual Economic Impact is $38 Billion

by Public Relations | Published On: May 18, 2017 | Last Updated: 
New ASU Study Shows Annual Increase of 35 Percent Compared to 2011

Phoenix, AZ – A new Arizona State University W.P. Carey School of Business study shows that Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport’s economic impact has increased 35 percent since 2011. Phoenix Sky Harbor now has a total economic impact of more than $38 billion per year. 

The study, based on Fiscal Year 2016 figures, shows that Phoenix Sky Harbor supports more than 269,000 jobs in the region with an annual payroll of more than $13 billion. 

Economic Impact 2017 single VERSIONNonstop international flights alone bring $3.4 billion to the Valley, with the daily British Airways flight to London leading the way. The annual economic impact of the London flight is $480 million. That flight is responsible for more than 2,700 jobs in the regional hospitality and export sectors. In fact, the daily nonstop flight between Phoenix Sky Harbor and London is so popular, that British Airways added a second flight three days per week during the months of May and June. 

Terminal 3 looking east at dusk

The economic impact study, available in its entirety on skyharbor.com, is based on employment, payrolls, business spending, revenue and personal spending. Visitors arriving at Sky Harbor spend approximately $5.8 billion per year. In addition, more than 45,000 employees working on-airport at Phoenix Sky Harbor spend their wages and create a ripple of economic impact throughout the Phoenix-area.

“Phoenix Sky Harbor – with expanding international flights, convenience to Downtown and easy connections to mass transit -- is the engine that drives our regional economy,” said Mayor Greg Stanton. “Having a thriving, well-run airport is crucial to our success as a city. That’s why we are investing $2 billion in upgrades and featuring local businesses in the terminals, because we know Sky Harbor has a positive impact on every industry in the Phoenix area.”

Additional quotes from City of Phoenix leadership are available.

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Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, America’s Friendliest Airport, has an annual economic impact of more than 38 billion. Every day approximately 1,200 aircraft and approximately 120,000 passengers arrive and depart at Sky Harbor. PHX Sky Harbor is funded with Airport revenue. No local tax dollars are used to support the Airport.