Chief Development Officer Jay Dewitt (left) attends Navigators Appreciation and Anniversary luncheon to thanks these front line volunteers all they do to make Phoenix Sky Harbor America's Friendliest Airport^®.

Over the last 20 years, more than 1,600 people have served as Sky Harbor Navigator volunteers. Some have been here since the very beginning and some for less than a year.

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.

Volunteers supplement airport ambassadors, who are paid workers stationed at information desks. Some Navigators have volunteered more than 10,000 hours.

Regardless of the length of service, that dedication of volunteerism is inspiring to all who meet them and especially to those who work alongside them. Not many airport programs have the privilege of knowing so many incredible volunteers.

Whether it was helping someone find a gate, find a lost loved one, find a place to eat, or anything in between, Navigators have made a difference to countless customers over the years.