Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport announced on Mar. 16 the launch of Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP), a new initiative in partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection aimed at speeding up the international arrivals process for travelers.
The EPP program is designed to make moving through customs more efficient and convenient, offering a touchless, voluntary process for U.S. citizens that does not require prior enrollment. Upon arrival at the CBP inspection area, a camera matches the traveler’s photo to existing document information, allowing officers to focus on security while reducing wait times.
Aviation Director Chad Makovsky said, “This initiative is the result of the strong collaboration between our Technology and Operations teams, the airlines, and CBP. Phoenix Sky Harbor continues to grow its international travel market, and this exceptional new program is yet another way we reinforce our brand of being ‘America’s Friendliest Airport.’”
Phoenix Sky Harbor is now the 23rd airport in the country to offer this free service. The airport has also introduced other enhancements such as TSA PreCheck Touchless ID using facial recognition technology, CLEAR+ eGates with biometric verification, PHX RESERVE for reserving TSA checkpoint times, biometric exit for departing international travelers, and Early Bag Check services at select locations.
In related developments at Phoenix Sky Harbor, Breeze Airways began operating flights from Phoenix to Charleston, South Carolina and Provo, Utah twice weekly starting November 2, 2022 according to an announcement by Breeze Airways Chief Operating Officer Michael Wuerger. Additionally, Roxann Favors was named Assistant Director/Chief Revenue Officer for the City of Phoenix Aviation Department in August 2022 as reported by the City of Phoenix, while Jay DeWitt was appointed Assistant Director/Chief Development Officer overseeing several divisions within the department according to city officials.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport reports an annual economic impact exceeding $44 billion. On average each day, about 1,000 aircraft and over 130,000 passengers arrive or depart from PHX. The airport operates solely on its own revenue without support from tax dollars.
