Scottsdale Airport Takes Off During Super Bowl LVII

Scottsdale Airport managed 490 corporate jet operations, mostly departures, in less than 24 hours during Super Bowl weekend. This remarkable feat was a game-winning action for the airport. While the airport is used to handling a higher volume of operations during its special events season, the influx of jet departures in such a short period was an incredible challenge for the team, but they rose to the challenge.

“We are thrilled to have facilitated a seamless Super Bowl experience for all our corporate jet operations,” says Aviation Director Gary P. Mascaro. “It was an exciting experience for aviation and corporate jet aficionados to see all these private jets utilizing Scottsdale Airport. All operations came together seamlessly and efficiently — and without any delays!”

Scottsdale Airport’s ramps were lined with 911 aircraft parked overnight between Thursday through Monday. Of that figure, 780 were transient or visiting corporate jets which lined the airport ramps from end to end.

“I am so proud of the entire team. I wholeheartedly appreciate the hard work from aviation staff, as well as the FAA Air Traffic and the fixed-base operators, which provide fuel and ground handling services for the aircraft, for their amazing efforts in making sure we were prepared and successful for this incredibly busy time,” said Aviation Director Gary P. Mascaro. “With everyone’s support and dedication, we pulled off a game-winning performance!”

The airport’s infrastructure was prepped and ready too. This was due to the FAA Airports Division Office which supported the airport in securing approximately $4.8 million in grant funding to make vital capacity upgrades and improvements that allowed us to handle the volume of aircraft in such an efficient manner.

The three fixed-base operators, Atlantic Aviation, Signature Flight Support and Jet Aviation, worked tirelessly to strategically park and position aircraft, and to manage the reservations for their facility. Their work contributed to ensuring aircraft were positioned and ready to go for smooth departures.

Scottsdale Airport is proud to be considered a top choice for corporate jet operations in the valley. This was a true victory, and the team is looking forward to continuing to provide outstanding service and efficiently to all those who utilize the airport!

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Kim Stevens

Kim Stevens is the publisher of State Aviation Journal, which he founded in 2009. A longtime commercial-rated pilot, he was introduced to state aviation in 1992 as Director of the Nebraska Department of Aeronautics, later serving as Deputy Division Director for the Arizona Department of Transportation's Aeronautics Division. From 2013 to 2018, he was Director of Communications and Operations for the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) in Washington, D.C. Relocating to North Carolina, Kim worked for the Raleigh-Durham International Airport for two years and now concentrates solely on the Journal. Prior to his aviation career, Kim spent a decade in the newspaper and magazine business.