Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport Launches Innovative Paging System

Phoenix, Arizona -- Passengers traveling through Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport are the first in the world to use a brand new, state-of-the-art paging system. The Passenger Information and Paging System (or PIPS) makes airport paging easier to use and accessible to everyone who visits Phoenix Sky Harbor. “We’ve gone above and beyond ADA requirements, because we believe it’s so important for everyone to be well served,” said Phoenix City Councilmember Peggy Bilsten.

The new system does away with the traditional “white paging phone.” Sky Harbor visitors now send and receive messages at Paging Assistance Locations or PALs. The names of those being paged are both announced through speakers inside the terminal and displayed on monitors throughout the airport. This method allows both visually and hearing impaired passengers to receive pages. Messages may be sent in a variety of ways including a touch screen, Braille enhanced keyboard, a telephone handset or headset, or an EZ access device for those with limited hand mobility. Instructions are available in English, Spanish or German.

Airports throughout the country have expressed interest in learning more about Sky Harbor’s innovative paging system. “It’s very simple to use,” said Phoenix Aviation Technology Project Manager, Dennis Murphy. “And it is much faster than the old system of having to speak to a paging operator to leave or retrieve a message.” Messages sent through the new paging system are still screened for content by the Sky Harbor Communications Center.

Members of a steering committee, including the Phoenix Mayor’s Commission on Disability Issues, worked hand in hand with the City of Phoenix Aviation Department to make sure that this system was fully accessible to all airport visitors. ARINC is the technology provider that designed the system for Sky Harbor.

Thirty PAL locations are being placed throughout Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. As part of this project, Sky Harbor is also improving flight and baggage displays, placing them in better locations and making the fonts larger and easier to read.