June 2025
90 Years at PHX: 1970s
As part of our year-long 90th anniversary celebration, we’re looking back at the previous decades in our history.
The 1970s saw many changes in Phoenix and Arizona. Raul H. Castro became Arizona’s first Hispanic governor and Mary Jo West became Phoenix’s first woman news anchor. Disco and punk were popular musical genres, and the U.S. saw the first celebration of Earth Day, Watergate, and the arrival of George Lucas’ Star Wars films.
Sky Harbor also saw continued growth and changes. In 1970, the federal government designated Sky Harbor an international port of entry, and the airport got a new name – Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). 1970 also saw the first Boeing 747 jumbo jet land at PHX. This was a TWA flight. Later that year, American Airlines began regular scheduled service with a Boeing 747. American continued to grow its service, and in 1971 opened a new arrival and departure lounge in Terminal 2 with two enclosed telescoping jetways designed to accommodate the Boeing 747 and later the Douglas DC-10 aircraft. That year also saw Air West begin regular international service between PHX and Guadalajara, Mexico.
With continued international flights, it was necessary to have a new customs and immigration facility. PHX reached full Port of Entry status in 1972 with the dedication of both. The Civil Air Patrol also dedicated new headquarters at PHX, and the airport saw the opening of offices for Hughes Airwest and Western Airlines.
In 1973, the airport dedicated a new Executive Terminal, and Federal Express began air cargo operations. This was considered a unique freight service. The Phoenix Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce also opened a Visitor Information Booth staffed by members of the Sky Harbor Ladies Auxiliary. The booth featured the slogan “Friendly Phoenix says Hi” – the precursor for today’s slogan, “America’s Friendliest Airport.”
PHX saw more new routes with Continental’s daily service between Phoenix and Miami and American’s new service to Philadelphia in 1974.
In 1975, economic studies indicated that Phoenix Sky Harbor provided an economic impact of more than $508 million and employed more than 9,600 people.
In 1977, an official groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new Terminal 3, and Continental Airlines was recognized as the best station in its entire route network.
1978 saw the arrival of a very unique aircraft – the first supersonic jet, the Concorde. The year also marked the 10th anniversary of the Sky Harbor Airport Auxiliary.
As the decade neared its end, Terminal 3 was completed for a total cost of $35 million and opened to the public.
Next month, we’ll feature the 1980s when Phoenix was experiencing population growth and new opportunities in the high-tech sector. PHX was also impacted by the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978 which brought new opportunities to the area.
Photo captions - Top: The interior of Terminal 3.; Middle: Terminal 3 groundbreaking celebration Lincoln Ragsdale and Mayor Margaret Hance in 1977: Bottom: Phoenix Mayor Graham greeting the 10 millionth passenger in 1967.
For more information on our 90th anniversary, visit https://www.skyharbor.com/90years
