Following a pivotal decision by the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority Board, the airport once found under the joint moniker will now be known simply as Mesa Gateway Airport. This rebranding effort comes after the City of Phoenix stepped away from the board and symbolizes the airport's commitment to mirroring the sustained growth and economic prosperity of the East Valley area.
"This name change reflects the tremendous growth and economic vitality of the East Valley," Queen Creek Mayor Julia Wheatley, Chair of the Mesa Gateway Airport Authority Board, told the City of Mesa.
Incidentally, the renaming coincides with record-breaking passenger numbers, with nearly 2 million passengers traveling through its gates in the last fiscal year, as detailed by the City of Mesa. Further modeling its service capacity expansion, a brand new concourse with five extra gates was erected earlier this year, illuminating the airport's resolve in catering to the rapidly increasing travel demand.
"As the 36th largest city in the United States, Mesa has emerged as a hub for innovation and technology in the region," Mesa Mayor John Giles stated, as per the City of Mesa. By underscoring Mesa and the East Valley's escalating prominence as a prime locale for business and development, the new airport title aims to magnify their anchored presence.
The region's robust tourism sector is also getting it's nod of recognition with this name change. Mesa, along with its neighbor cities, welcomed over 4 million visitors in the last year, a tourism force that bolstered employment and significantly contributed to state and local taxes. "Having an airport that authentically represents our identity while providing convenient access to a growing number of regional destinations sets the stage for continued tourism growth," Marc Garcia, President and CEO of Visit Mesa, expressed to the City of Mesa.
