Phoenix Sky Harbor Air Service Development Program Wins Again
Phoenix-Heathrow Route Supports International Destination
Aug. 6, 2002
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport announces another success for its air service development program. Starting October 26, British Airways will begin flying Phoenix-London Heathrow, replacing the Phoenix-London Gatwick route. The Phoenix Sky Harbor-London Heathrow route will operate through the winter, 2002.
"We are very pleased that our air service development program has successfully worked with British Airways to make this change," said David Kreitor, Aviation Director. "The decision to fly between Sky Harbor and Heathrow reinforces the importance of the strong trade and tourism market that exists in Phoenix and the state of Arizona."
Since the air service development program secured the daily, nonstop BA flight, which began in 1996, Sky Harbor has seen a steady increase in international exports and international passenger traffic. In the first quarter of 2002, despite the economic downturn in the U.S., Arizona exports to the United Kingdom increased 9% or $271 million. Air Cargo at Sky Harbor increased 19% during this same period.
The tourism industry has also been positively impacted. Today, the U.K. is the number one source of overseas international visitors to Arizona, after Canada and Mexico. The U.K. accounts for 15.5% of all international visitors to Arizona.
"One of our major goals with our international air service development program is to support our increasingly global business community and our tour and travel industry," said Ann Warner, Deputy Director for Aviation Marketing and Air Service Development. "Clearly, globalization is a powerful and pervasive influence today. As the largest population center in the Southwest, we are pleased that our air service development program is supporting Phoenix as it becomes a recognized international destination."
Conveniently located in the heart of the greater Phoenix metropolitan area,
Sky Harbor ranks as the 5th busiest U.S. airport for aircraft operations;
6th busiest U.S. airport for passenger traffic; and 11th busiest airport in
the world for passenger traffic. Offering an average of 1,300 daily commercial
airline flights, Sky Harbor serves 105 cities with non-stop flights, including
non-stop destinations in the UK, Germany, Mexico, and Canada. Phoenix Sky
Harbor Airport boasts more than 520 perfect flying days per year. For more
information about Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport log on to www.phxskyharbor.com.
Media Contact:
| Suzanne Luber |
602-273-3450 |
