The Phoenix-Mesa Gateway airport was recognized on Tuesday of this week for its superior service and accomplishments over the past year by being named the 2012 Airport of the Year. 
Michael Klein, Aeronautics Group Manager for the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) presented the award to Lynn Kusy, (shown at right) executive director for the airport during the Arizona Airports Association (AzAA) annual Spring conference held earlier this week in Tucson.
The airport has already been recognized for its rapid growth of passenger service but what makes this award so special, according to Kusy, is the criteria used for the award was not focused on passenger service but on community engagement, innovative programs and excellence in airport management. Kusy recognized staff members Casey Denny, Carmen Williams and Deena Norton who were on hand for presentation and said that staff are led by a set of values that includes innovation and pride in all that they do. "This award is a validation of those efforts,” said Kusy.
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport is considered one of the fastest growing hub airports in the United States and has earned a reputation for being a convenient alternative to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Last year, the airport served nearly one million total passengers, with more than 171,200 takeoffs and landings, making it the 65th busiest airport in the United States, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
Some of the airport’s major successes and accomplishments over the past year include :
Allegiant Airlines announced new non-stop service to Minot, N.D.; Appleton, Wis.; Duluth, Minn.; Las Vegas, Nev.; and San Francisco-Oakland, Calif.
Spirit Airlines announced new passenger service at Gateway with flights to Las Vegas, Nev.; Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas; and Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Spirit Airlines also now offers continuing service to 30 other destinations.
In order to gear up for the increase in passenger service, Gateway broke ground on Phase II of a terminal expansion project, which will add 30,000 square feet of space and two additional gates. The airport also completed a 2,700-space parking lot along Ray Road.
Airport staff organized Gateway Aviation Day, with more than 10,000 visitors from local communities spending a day at the airport to view aircraft, tour the facility, visit booths and participate in activities showcasing the airport.
A sign will be erected near the airport announcing Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport as the 2012 Airport of the Year.
This is the second time Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport has received this award – the first time was in 2004.
