American Airlines at Phoenix Airport. Photo: Robin Guess / Shutterstock.com American Airlines has been selected as the primary airline carrier for the future West Terminal at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, marking the first new terminal planned at the airport in nearly 40 years.
The announcement strengthens the long-standing relationship between American and Phoenix Sky Harbor as the airport prepares for its next phase of expansion.
American has served Phoenix since 1930 and is currently the airport's largest airline, accounting for about 40% of Sky Harbor traffic. The carrier handles more than 20 million passengers through Phoenix each year and employs around 8,000 people across Arizona.
The airline operates more than 300 peak daily departures from Phoenix to over 100 destinations. Its network connects Arizona with cities across North America, as well as Hawaii and destinations in Europe and beyond.
American Airlines aircraft. Photo: American Airlines“Phoenix is a critical part of American's network, and we're excited to continue to invest in the airport and this region's future,” American Airlines CEO Robert Isom said.
He added that the new terminal will provide additional capacity and premium passenger facilities while supporting Phoenix's connections with destinations around the world.
Phoenix officials described the West Terminal as a long-term investment designed to accommodate the region's growing demand for air travel.
“Phoenix Sky Harbor is a powerful economic engine for our state, and it’s the gateway for business opportunity and tourism,” Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said.
The airport said the new terminal will focus on passenger service while providing facilities that can meet future operational requirements.
The Aviation Department selected American as the anchor tenant following several months of analysis.
“After completing months of careful analysis, the Aviation Department selected American Airlines as the anchor tenant for this new West Terminal,” said Chad Makovsky, Phoenix Sky Harbor's aviation director.
The airport said it will continue working with American and other airlines as the project develops, with a focus on facilities that are affordable, operationally efficient and capable of supporting future passenger demand.
American has been part of several important stages in Phoenix aviation history. In 1960, the airline and its predecessors introduced the region's first scheduled jet service with the Boeing 707.
The future West Terminal is part of Destination PHX 2050, Phoenix Sky Harbor's long-term development program covering the airport's capital investments