The Tucson International Airport was the recipient of this year’s “Airport of the Year” award, sponsored annually by the Aeronautics Division of the Arizona Department of Transportation, (ADOT). Aeronautics Division Director, Barclay Dick, presented the award at the annual Arizona Airports Association’s, (AzAA) annual Spring Conference, held recently in Tucson.
The airport, which was founded in 1948 by 15 local businessmen, has grown from a 2,600-acre municipal facility into an 8,000-acre international airport. “During its 58 year history, it has brought major employers and significant economic development to its area, said Mr. Dick. Its staff has been very involved not only in professional organizations, but also in civic affairs and social service agencies.”
"This is a wonderful honor for the employees and members of the Tucson Airport Authority," said TAA President/CEO Bonnie Allin. "It is our employees, guided by the TAA board and membership,who are dedicated to developing, operating and maintaining the best aviation facilities for the users of our facility in Tucson and southern Arizona. "
Michael Johnson, Director of Engineering, accepted the award on behalf of the Tucson Airport Authority, host for this year’s Spring Conference.
In 1952, the airport brought to town the Hughes Tool Company, which became Hughes Aircraft, which today is Raytheon Missile Systems, and according to Mr. Dick, one of the largest employers in town. “In 1956, this little airport authority, in a little dusty Arizona town, pioneered the sale of airport revenue bonds, a financial instrument upon which many of the nation's airports are now dependent,” said Dick.
Twenty years later, in 1976, the airport brought to town a second major employer, Gates Learjet, now Bombardier. That same year, the airport authority negotiated a revolutionary airport use agreement with the airlines serving the community. “That agreement insured the airport's growth for the next 30 years, said Dick, and was used as a model by many other airports.”
“A most extraordinary thing about this organization is the quality and longevity of its leadership. During its 58-year history, said Dick, it has had only 4 airport managers. Each of them was elected as president or chairman of national aviation organizations.”
“Regrettably, continued Dick, three of those four are no longer with us. Bob Schmidt died in 1963; Chuck Broman in 2003; and, Wally Burg just last year. In memory of those aviation leaders and the phenomenal things they accomplished at their dusty little airport, the Aeronautics Division is proud to present "Airport of the Year" to Tucson International Airport.”
The selection criteria used by the Aeronautics Division consists of accomplishments in the areas of community relations, airport management, airport maintenance activities as well as innovative activities and programs implemented at the airport.
A sign will be erected near the airport announcing Tucson International Airport as the 2006 “Airport of the Year.”
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