{"id":36254,"date":"2026-08-17T21:18:53","date_gmt":"2026-08-17T21:18:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stateaviationjournal.com\/?p=36254"},"modified":"2026-08-17T21:19:14","modified_gmt":"2026-08-17T21:19:14","slug":"phx-celebrates-the-past-present-and-future-of-aviation-on-national-aviation-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stateaviationjournal.com\/index.php\/state-news\/arizona\/phx-celebrates-the-past-present-and-future-of-aviation-on-national-aviation-day\/%20","title":{"rendered":"PHX Celebrates the Past, Present, and Future of Aviation on National Aviation Day"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

National Aviation Day is celebrated annually on Aug. 19. It is a day to reflect on how far the world of aviation has come since the first flight by the Wright Brothers in 1903. The Phoenix Airport System supports the continued development of aviation by being the largest economic engine in the state and working to keep up with the Valley\u2019s growth.<\/p>\n\n\n

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1948 Photo<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Airports are major hubs of commercial activity, with a significant economic development footprint. Phoenix Sky Harbor, Deer Valley and Goodyear airports together generate a total economic impact of more than $44.3 billion per year. Phoenix Sky Harbor plays a crucial role as an employment center for more than 47,000 people. Also, the City of Phoenix Aviation Department is recognized nationally as a great place to work and has attained Level 3 recognition in the Airport Workforce Development Accreditation<\/a> program through Airports Council International – North America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With Phoenix Sky Harbor serving more than 140,000 passengers and more than 1,300 flights each day, the roles that support operations are essential. One example is city of Phoenix Aviation Department employee Lourdes C. She is an Aviation Supervisor II and Terminal Operations Coordinator who manages importing airline schedules into the airport gate management system and charting flights across concourses, keeping operations running efficiently. Lourdes plays a key role in keeping flights operating on time. Visit PHX\u2019s Employee Spotlight<\/a> webpage for more stories about airport employees and the important work they do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As Phoenix Sky Harbor continues to see passenger numbers grow, investing in the future to accommodate growth and the thriving community remains a priority. The airport\u2019s 20-year plan provides a roadmap for meeting future demand. Some of these projects include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n