The City of Phoenix Aviation Department has released a summary of its year-long study on integrating advanced air mobility (AAM) technologies into the city’s airport system. The findings are now available on the official Sky Harbor website.
Advanced air mobility represents an emerging air transportation system aimed at addressing urban congestion and improving sustainability and efficiency for moving people and goods.
“Phoenix is ideally suited to be a national leader in advanced air mobility,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “This new technology can lead to a major boost in our local, regional, and state economy. With excellent infrastructure in place, a long-time history of innovation in aviation and autonomous vehicles, and a record of success with public-private partnerships, the City is perfectly situated to work with the private sector, federal government, and other stakeholders to execute the goals of the framework.”
Aviation Director Chad Makovsky commented on possible next steps: “Phoenix Sky Harbor, Phoenix Deer Valley, and Phoenix Goodyear airports have identified potential programs for advanced air mobility that could launch in the next few years. Areas of near-term focus include training the next generation of pilots and using new technology to move cargo and freight. We’re excited to break new ground with advanced air mobility partnerships.”
In partnership with the Arizona Commerce Authority, the Phoenix Aviation Department will submit a proposal for participation in the Federal Aviation Administration’s Electrical Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program (eIPP). This initiative aims to speed up deployment of AAM vehicles through public-private partnerships focused on developing regulatory frameworks for safe operations.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport continues to play an important role in regional transportation growth. On August 10, 2022, Breeze Airways announced it would begin offering flights from Phoenix Sky Harbor to Charleston, South Carolina, and Provo, Utah; these services began operating twice weekly from Terminal 3 later that year (https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/aviation/2437).
Leadership at Phoenix’s aviation department has also seen recent changes aimed at supporting its development goals. On August 15, 2022, Roxann Favors was named Assistant Director/Chief Revenue Officer after nearly two decades with the city (https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/aviation/2447). On that same day Jay DeWitt was appointed Assistant Director/Chief Development Officer overseeing several key divisions including Planning & Environmental as well as Design & Construction Services (https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/aviation/2448).
Sky Harbor reports an annual economic impact exceeding $44 billion with approximately 1,000 aircraft movements daily and more than 130,000 passengers arriving or departing each day.
