November 2023

Don’t Let Holiday Travel Gobble Up Your Patience

‘Tis the season for travel. With the fast-approaching Thanksgiving holiday, it’s time to start planning now. America’s Friendliest Airport^® is offering the following tips to ensure that holiday travel doesn’t gobble up your patience.

Thanksgiving is traditionally one of the busiest times of the year at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport–and not just in the skies but on roads around the airport as well. With the roadways being stuffed like the turkey on Thanksgiving, this can make picking up or dropping off family and friends potentially stressful. To avoid the congestion and help reduce stress on airport roadways outside the terminals, the following is recommended:

• Take advantage of our 24th Street or 44th Street PHX Sky Train^® Station for pick-up and drop-off. This will be the first holiday season that both stations are open for passenger pick up and drop off. The stations are located on each side of the airport at 44th Street servicing the eastside and 24th Street servicing the westside. Learn more about this easy way to avoid terminal curb congestion and roadway traffic.
• Drivers should watch freeway signs for airport traffic updates and recommended alternate routes. They should also watch their speed and keep an eye out for officers directing traffic once at Phoenix Sky Harbor and expect busier than normal roadways. Drivers are also advised to not circle the terminals and take advantage of  the Cell Phone Lots.

For more travel tips, visit www.skyharbor.com/flying-from-phx/travel-tips.

A Festive Thank You from America’s Friendliest Airport®

12 Days of Gratitude will commence Dec. 4 and run through Dec. 15. During this time, a variety of activities will take place that will provide Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport with the opportunity to show gratitude to customers while also giving travelers the opportunity to show their appreciation.

Over the course of the 12 days, customers will find activities taking place both pre-and post-security in all terminals. Passengers will have the opportunity to win prizes, take their photos with our mascot Amelia the Airplane, Navigator Buddies, and participate in art activities, write notes of gratitude, and even show off their airport trivia knowledge for prizes.

Passengers should also keep an eye out for our PHX team, a group of airport employees handing out PHX travel items and goodies to lucky passengers. Additionally, throughout the 12 days, airport staff and the PHX Navigators will be handing out chocolate coins and thank you cards to passengers. Learn more about #12DaysofGratitude and see a schedule of events at skyharbor.com/12daysofgratitude.

PHX Launches Green Curb Program

November began with Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport sponsoring the annual Airports Going Green conference. This conference is the aviation industry’s leading forum on sustainability, bringing together airports, airlines, industry associations and government agencies to share best practices and focus on future forward sustainability practices as an industry.

Phoenix Sky Harbor set a global milestone last year becoming the first airport in the world to offer travelers the ability to take a Waymo autonomous zero emission vehicle to and from the airport. Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego kicked off the conference sharing another innovative sustainability milestone by demonstrating Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport’s commitment to being a leader in the industry with sustainable solutions to improve the passenger experience – the new Green Curb program.

The airport’s Green Curb will provide rideshare riders with a conveniently located pick-up area with unique signage and markings, making electric vehicle pickup locations easily visible at both terminals. Earlier this summer, Uber announced it would pass on airport allocated savings to customers by offering them a 40% discount on airport pick-up and drop-off fares when they selected Uber’s electric rides.

The airport developed a Roadmap to Net Zero Carbon that identifies the short-, medium- and long-term strategies for Phoenix Sky Harbor to reach the goal of net zero carbon by 2040. This goal is defined by an absolute reduction of carbon emissions by at least 90 percent from a 2010 baseline with no more than 10 percent of emissions eliminated through carbon removal technologies.

Since 2010, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport has already reduced our annual carbon emissions by 34% through energy conservation measures and other initiatives, despite growth and expansion. Focusing on being future-friendly, the airport continues to find ways to work with airport partners to reduce impact on the environment with collaboration and innovation.

To find the full Roadmap to the Net Zero Carbon report, visit skyharbor.com/sustainability.

More Innovative Shops and Restaurants Coming to Terminal 4

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport’s Eighth Concourse at Terminal 4 recently celebrated the opening of an assortment of new restaurants from Bobby’s Burgers to Pedal Haus Brewery and more. But America’s Friendliest Airport^® isn’t done. Phoenix City Council recently approved the recommended proposals for the second phase of new concessions on the airport’s newest concourse.

These new shops and restaurants align with Phoenix Sky Harbor’s goal of providing a mix of national and local brands for Phoenix passengers.

The Food and Beverage Concessions Phase II Package has been awarded to PHX S1 Restaurant Partners, LLC, which is a partnership of concessionaires HMSHost, Kind Hospitality, and TMG Services, Inc. As part of this package, two new restaurants will open. The first will be Guy Fieri’s Phoenix Kitchen + Bar which will feature the notable chef’s American dishes like burgers, sandwiches, pizza, and more. The second restaurant will be SanTan Spirit House which is a concept from the locally beloved SanTan Brewing Company. This bar will offer a variety of sharable food items and unique spirits. SanTan currently has a location in Terminal 3, which is a fan favorite among travelers.

Also approved is an agreement with Paradies Lagardère which will bring in two new stores to the Eighth Concourse. Shoppers will be delighted for the future Fan Shop by PGA TOUR featuring apparel and accessories for fans of golf and fashion. Travelers will also be able to try out a golf simulator – a first for the airport – including an opportunity to play like the pros and try their luck at the famous 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale, a favorite of WM Phoenix Open attendees. Additionally, travelers will also be able to find many locally made products, including Arizona wine and olive oil, at the new Arizona Roadtrip store. This concept will also feature a kids zone with family-friendly activities.

The new shops and restaurants are expected to open by the end of 2024. Learn more about all of the Eighth Concourse’s shops, restaurants and other features at skyharbor.com/at-the-airport/.

Celebrate Aviation History Month

Clear skies and great flying weather have made Arizona and the Valley of the Sun a mecca for aviation since the early days of flight. Back in the 1920s, Phoenix had four airports. Sky Harbor opened in 1928 and was known as The Farm because it was not unusual for pilots to buzz the field to clear the runway of grazing cattle before landing.

Today, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport has become one of the busiest in the country and is the leading economic engine for the city and state. Celebrated each November, Aviation History Month is dedicated to exploring and recognizing America’s contributions and achievements in the development of aviation, making it the perfect time to learn about Arizona’s rich aviation history.

The Phoenix Airport Museum holds a massive aviation historical collection and archive and presents exhibitions throughout the airport system. Highlights include a World War Ibiplane, historic images and an exhibition about Phoenix Sky Harbor’s historic fly-in weddings. You don’t need a plane ticket to visit the airport and explore the displays. Learn more and download the Fly Back in Time guide.

Elevating PHX: Emerging Airport Ventures

Do you have a taste for perfectly marinated carne asada or fish tacos? Take a seat at Sir Veza’s Taco Garage in Terminal 4 where you’ll be served and delighted by its staff that is emblematic of America’s Friendliest Airport^®.

PHX is proud to showcase the inspirational and successful entrepreneurial story of Sir Veza’s owner, Gonzalo A. de la Melena, Jr. Gonzalo, who is the founder and CEO of Emerging Airport Ventures, is forthright and insistent on instilling in his team members “fanatical customer service” and “cultivating a community of one passenger at a time,” mottos that both embody the airport’s slogan.

“The airport is not only an economic engine, but it is also the front door to our city and a reflection of our community,” says Gonzalo. “It is rewarding to be able to deliver on the promise of PHX being America’s Friendliest Airport^®.”

Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce members, of course, will immediately recognize Gonzalo as the organization’s former president, a role he spearheaded from 2010 to 2019.

Prior to the Chamber, Gonzalo spent 12 years with Consumer Package Goods Company – The Dial Corporation where he conducted business in more than 30 countries before the age of 30 and led the company to three international acquisitions. After his last expatriate assignment as Country Manager in Guatemala, he was responsible for bringing the famous Quick Service Restaurant, Pollo Campero – “The Latin Chicken Loved Around the World” – to Arizona.

Ten years ago, Gonzalo won his first airport contract. He partnered with Arizona’s legendary El Charro, America’s oldest Mexican restaurant continuously run by the same family for 100 years. “I was introduced by Eddie Basha III (Trey) and it checked all the boxes for an on-point airport experience: portability, convenience, speed of service and a supply chain that ensured food safety and high-quality authentic ingredients,” says Gonzalo.

Regarding talent and workforce, Gonzalo says, “Pouring into our team members is critical to our success! It is particularly gratifying to see teammates hired 10 years ago are now managers leading high-performing teams and growing their leadership skills that they will take with them for the rest of their lives.”

This entrepreneurial leader isn’t just busy at PHX. Today, he also has food, beverage and retail holdings at Mesa Gateway, Salt Lake City and Denver airports, with a soon-to-launch venture in San Diego. In total, he oversees a portfolio of 24 restaurant and retail locations in five airports.

Gonzalo also has an active home life. He and his wife, Greta, are raising 5-year-old twins, Lucas and Carlotta, as well as 4-year-old Luis-Gonzalo.

PHX salutes Gonzalo’s success and presence and cherishes his contributions to making us America’s Friendliest Airport^®.

Vibrant Vancouver Delights All

Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains, Vancouver is a Canadian city that combines urban sophistication with breathtaking natural beauty. From its waterfront to its lush parks, Vancouver offers many fun activities that cater to all. With nonstop flights on Air Canada, WestJet, and next year Flair Airlines, there’s plenty to do.

Explore Stanley Park, the iconic, urban park that features forests, serene beaches, and picturesque walking and cycling trails. You can even take a carriage ride around the park.

Granville Island is a hub of creativity. There is a public market filled with food, crafts and unique gifts. Visit galleries showcasing local art, catch a live performance at the Granville Island Theater, or simply indulge in treats at one of the many restaurants or cafés.

Get your outdoor adventure on the peaks by checking out Grouse Mountain for skiing or snowboarding in the winter and enjoy hiking in the summer. You’ll be met with a challenge when you hike but rewarded with panoramic views. If you don’t feel like hiking, hop aboard the Skyline Gondola.

Experience an adrenaline rush walking across the Capilano Suspension Bridge. The park features treetop adventures and a chance to experience the lush rainforest through elevated walkways.

The Vancouver Aquarium is home to a diverse range of marine life, such as sea otters and dolphins. It offers both educational and entertaining experiences for everyone.

Gastown is Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood and worth a visit. Take a photo of the famous Gastown Steam Clock and admire vintage lampposts and historic buildings.

There are also many shopping opportunities while exploring Vancouver. Robson Street in downtown is the city’s ultimate shopping destination.

Fancy tea? Mini hotels and cafés offer scrumptious scones, pastries, and cakes, as well as fine selections of tea. Afternoon tea at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is well known, but you’ll also find plenty of local tea shops around town. Ladurée offers French pastries and tea on Robson Street, perfect for a break from shopping.

Vancouver is also the set for many movies and TV shows. You might even recognize a few as you sightsee.

Vancouver’s urban charm combined with its breathtaking landscapes makes this West Coast city a true gym. Learn more at Destination Vancouver.

New International Flights Added to PHX

We share with you in each edition of PHX Check-In exciting route news and new destinations served from PHX.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is home to 24 airlines offering nonstop flights from Phoenix to more than 120 domestic destinations and 23 international destinations. 

The Arizona Republic’s travel reporter, Michael Salerno, wrote a story on the new international flights at PHX and what’s behind the boom. Check it out.

Save the Date for Sixth Annual Aviation Business Summit

Join the City of Phoenix Aviation Department in person as we host the sixth annual Aviation Business Summit on Feb. 22, 2024. This event is designed to give interested businesses the opportunity to learn, network, and understand the tools available for doing business with Phoenix Sky Harbor, Deer Valley, and Goodyear airports. The event is returning to an in-person format and will   include a variety of informational sessions, networking opportunities, and new event features.

More information along with a registration link will be posted on our Business Outreach webpage.

Questions? Please email busopps.aviation@phoenix.gov.

From Sea to Land: Phoenix Goodyear Airport Thrives at 83

Phoenix Goodyear Airport (GYR) is turning 83 this month and GYR is getting better with age.

Phoenix Goodyear Airport (GYR) is turning 83 this month and GYR is getting better with age.

GYR has its origin as a U.S. Navy facility—the U.S. Naval Air Facility at Litchfield Park, to be specific, was the airports name when it opened in 1940. This desert airfield bloomed out of the need to support American war efforts in 1941 when the U.S. Navy required further construction of a landing field, hangar and runway to test fly and deliver aircraft.

With the end of World War II in 1945, the U.S. Naval Air Facility at Litchfield Park transitioned from being a testing spot for functional aircraft to preserving and storing them while still servicing naval planes traveling across the country. By 1947, a thousand aircraft were stored on the 800-acre site.

The dry Arizona desert is proven to be the ideal climate for “pickling” airplanes that are washed, weatherized with a spray-on protective coating, and preserved. Metal parts fared well in the dry climate.

When the Korean War began in 1950, approximately 2,500 planes were in storage at the air facility. “Uncorking” the planes was a relatively quick and easy task, and in 10 months, about 1,400 planes were put back into service.

By the end of the decade, U.S. Naval Air Facility at Litchfield Park was decommissioned, but a revival was not far away: the City of Phoenix was searching for a satellite airport site to serve as a reliever for small aircraft using Sky Harbor Airport, and it bought the airfield in 1968 for $550,000.

Today, Phoenix Goodyear Airport is a general aviation (GA) airport supporting significant maintenance, repair, large aircraft overhaul, airline flight training, corporate aircraft, and general aviation flying. With a main 5,500-square-foot terminal constructed in 2000, GYR handles tens of thousands of aircraft operations each year—164,484 in 2022—and is expected to top more than 200,000 this year.

With a history as rich as Phoenix Goodyear Airport, the future looks bright for another 83 years. Learn more about GYR at goodyearairport.com.

An Anniversary Celebration and Thank You for 23 Years of Out of This World Volunteers

It’s the month of giving thanks and we are beyond grateful for our volunteers who contribute daily to our commitment of being America’s Friendliest Airport^®.

In appreciation of their selfless work, Navigators were met by the airport’s leadership team for a fun night filled with laughter and memorable times. The group enjoyed yard games and food followed by a movie night where they watched the sci-fi comedy “Jules” to wrap up a wonderful celebratory evening.

For the last 20 years, more than 1,600 people have served as Phoenix Sky Harbor Navigator volunteers. The Navigators debuted in 2000 after studying customer service initiatives at other airports. Volunteers show up for duty day and night, every day of the week and are briefed on any changes around the airport and assigned a station to provide travelers with advice, support and directions.

After halting volunteer applications for two years, we are thrilled to have added 45 new volunteers and 15 new Navigator Buddy teams to our Navigator Program this year. When visiting the airport, day or night, seven days a week, you can always count on being acknowledged by one of our Navigators asking if you need assistance. They are here to guide travelers to their gate, nearest restroom, restaurants, baggage claim, ticket counters, and any other needs travelers may have.

To learn more about our PHX Navigators and Navigator Buddy program, visit skyharbor.com/volunteer.

Beaches, Art and More Await You in Jacksonville

American Airlines just launched nonstop flights between Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Jacksonville International Airport. There isn’t a better time to visit than now. Looking for itinerary ideas? We’ve got them!

You didn’t think you’d go to Florida and not hit the beaches did you? With 22 miles of stunning coastline, Jacksonville has some of Florida’s best beaches. Enjoy surfing, sunbathing, or beachcombing at spots like Jacksonville Beach and Ponte Vedra Beach.

Visit the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens to discover a vast collection of artwork, sculptures, and beautiful landscaping. Fun fact: Did you know Jacksonville is one of the nation’s top 20 art destinations?

Stroll through historic neighborhoods like San Marco, Five Points, or the Riverside Avondale Historic District. These areas feature boutiques, eateries and art galleries. Enjoy a stroll and soak up the atmosphere.

Hop over to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. This appeals to all ages and offers many animal exhibits and beautiful botanical gardens.

Science more your thing? Tour the Museum of Science & History (MOSH) to learn more about space, exploration, local, ecology, and see other interactive exhibits. The museum features the Bryan-Gooding Planetarium – the largest single-lens planetarium in the world.

And if you’re a sports fan, catch a Jacksonville Jaguars football game at EverBank Field.

Don’t miss your opportunity to explore all Jacksonville has to offer. Find more activities and trip ideas at Visit Jacksonville. Book your flight today at aa.com.

Looking for Work? Start Your Search at PHX

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is the largest economic engine in the state of Arizona. The airport is marking two years of hosting monthly job fairs to help prospective employees get hired at PHX as the airport continues to see a record number of passengers traveling.

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, 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.

The next PHX Job Fair will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 5. 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.

Because PHX supports a workforce of more than 57,000 employees and the airport supports 269,000 regional jobs, and the monthly job fairs have a 42% attendee hire rate, these monthly hiring events will be continued through 2024.

It’s important to note that job openings not only include those at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport but also those at Deer Valley and Goodyear airports! Find your exciting career with opportunities ranging from managing concessions, to ensuring aircraft are cleaned and fueled, to providing top products, food, and services to our travelers and customers. The Transportation Security Administration offers a wide range of career opportunities whether you are an experienced business professional, recent college or high school graduate, or transitioning military personnel. Benefits vary by each company, but may include health insurance and retirement options, retention bonuses, employee assistance programs and sign-on bonuses.

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

Have You Heard: The PHX Sky Train® Goes Digital

As we near the one-year anniversary of the opening of PHX Sky Train^® extension to the Rental Car Center, the train cars are becoming even more passenger-friendly as new digital technology will be outfitted with digital route signage that makes navigating the stops and stations easier for riders. Additionally, video display and digital graphic screens will be added to train cars to help share airport information, programs available to those traveling through the airport, upcoming events and more.

On-The-Fly Award

A highway closure affects many travelers to the airport, but one lost driver got help from an airport worker who knew his way around.

After flying for more than five hours into PHX, a couple was waiting for a friend to pick them up. Unfortunately, Interstate 10 near the airport was closed, and he got lost on his way to get his friends and was going around in circles.

The couple got the attention of Israel L., an operations assistant with the Phoenix Aviation Department, who was monitoring traffic outside their terminal. They explained the problem to Israel and he immediately took over giving directions to their friend, taking as much time as necessary to get him to the airport, advising him on what roads to take and even what lanes to drive in. Israel then stood out next to the road to guide him to the couple.

“Please note Israel never stopped doing his other responsibilities, which makes him all the more special,” the couple said in nominating him for recognition. They wanted to make sure we knew how awesome Israel is, so he was recognized for his outstanding work by our Customer Service On the FLY team (F = Friendly. L = Let me help. Y = You.)

Do you have a story about a Sky Harbor employee and a random act of awesome? Send details to us at skyharbor@phoenix.gov so we can recognize him or her.

PHX Exercises Major Runway Incident

Every three years, the FAA requires airports like Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to conduct a full-scale emergency exercise. The night-time exercise conducted on Oct. 25 simulated a response for a mock aircraft emergency.

Southwest was the exercise host airline, and the realism of the drill was brought to life by numerous participant agencies, airport partners, and more than 150 volunteers. The drill touched every aspect of a response to an incident of this magnitude.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport has an outstanding record when it comes to aviation safety. Exercises like this are vitally important to test the Airport Emergency Plan and multi-agency response protocols. The exercise planning team and hundreds of participants worked jointly to address the needs of a response while also considering the airport’s continuity of operations, ultimately benefiting the hundreds of thousands of passengers and employees who use our airport every day.

Birdwatcher’s Report

The spooky season brought a real treat to Phoenix Sky Harbor as this fang-tastic Delta A321 crossed paths with a vibrant full moon.

Photo courtesy @phxplanepics on Instagram, Chris, Phoenix Based Photographer