SKY HARBOR'S ECONOMIC IMPACT
Sky Harbor’s economic impact on the Phoenix area is now $33 billion, an increase of nearly $7 billion since 2003. A new study by the Arizona State University W.P. Carey School of Business also shows that on-Airport employment has also increased 7 percent from 31,437 jobs in 2003 to 33,639 in 2007. Less than 1,000 of those jobs are with the city of Phoenix, while the rest are generated through private companies.
“Sky Harbor is the largest economic engine in the state of Arizona,” said District 8 Councilman Michael Johnson. “The Airport provides good jobs for residents, supports a multi-billion dollar tourism industry and allows local companies to move cargo and achieve efficient business travel.” Phoenix Sky Harbor now sees an average of 115,000 passengers a day and handles 760 tons of cargo. Every single day the Phoenix airport brings $90 million to the local economy. Even though Sky Harbor is owned and operated by the city of Phoenix, no local tax dollars are used to operate the airport. Sky Harbor pays its own way, generating revenue from parking, airlines, retailers, and other business.
“We are constantly looking at ways to enhance our customer service and improve America’s Friendliest Airport™ to accommodate the more than 42 million visitors who now travel through Sky Harbor every year,” said Phoenix Aviation Director, Danny Murphy.
