The Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport was the recipient of this year’s “Airport of the Year” award, sponsored annually by the MPD - Aeronautics Group of the Arizona Department of Transportation, (ADOT). ADOT presented the award at the 2012 Arizona Airports Association’s, (AzAA) annual Spring Conference, held this year in Tucson.
After a thorough review by ADOT-MPD-Aeronautics staff, the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport was chosen for this prestigious award for:
- The Airport is the fastest growing hub airport in the United States. Total passengers have increased 19 percent from 804,340 in 2010 to 956,665 in 2011.
- Allegiant Airlines expanded the based aircraft count to seven and increased the cities served from 27 to 33. Spirit Airlines announced to begin service to Dallas and Las Vegas and one stop service to 30 other cities.
- The Airport handled 171,200 total operations, making it the 65th busiest airport in the United States.
- During the past year, nine different staff members have volunteered services for more than 11 non-aviation related community organizations.
- Completing over $2.7 million dollars in capital improvements
- The Airport was honored by the Arizona Commercial Real Estate Magazine for having the “Best Redevelopment Project”. DWL Architects and Sundt Construction share the honor.
- The Human Resources Department was selected as a finalist for the Arizona Business Magazine’s 2011 “HR Team of the Year”.
- Gateway Aviation Day 2011 (Airport Open House) was a success as it attracted 50 static display aircraft and over 10,000 visitors.
- The Ray Road parking lot was completed in time for the holiday rush, adding 2,700 spaces.
- Gateway Aviation Services delivered a record 15,066,458 gallons of aviation fuel in 2011.
- Valley Metro initiated service to the Airport and the campus, connecting travellers, students, and employees to the Valley’s transportation system.
- Community volunteers donated over 3,923 hours to the Airport Ambassador Program. This is a program created to strengthen the “just plane easy” brand at the airport passenger terminal.
- For the 14th consecutive year, the Airport passed the FAA annual certification inspection without any discrepancies.
The selection criteria used by the ADOT - MPD - Aeronautics Group consists of accomplishments in the areas of Aviation Advocacy and Community Relations, Airport Management, Special Events and Recognition as well as innovative activities and programs implemented at the airport.
Mr. Lynn Kusy, Executive Director, accepted the award on behalf of the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority and airport staff. A sign will be erected near the airport announcing Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport as the 2012 “Airport of the Year.”
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