Phoenix is on the cusp of aviation innovation as it embraces Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), positioning itself as a forerunner in a blossoming industry expected to reshape urban transit. Today the City of Phoenix Aviation Department has shared a summary of their year-long study on integrating AAM technology at Phoenix's airports, per a report made available on skyharbor.com. This move signals a future where congested streets could be alleviated through the skies, and sustainability becomes entwined with efficiency in the movement of cargo and passengers.
The city's strategy is endorsed by Mayor Kate Gallego, who believes Phoenix can become "a national leader in advanced air mobility." With the city's rich background in aviation and self-driving vehicle technology, there's a growing anticipation around the economic benefits that might unfold. "This new technology can lead to a major boost in our local, regional, and state economy," Gallego stated, recognizing the existing infrastructure and the history of public-private collaborations as the bedrock for this evolution. Aviation Director Chad Makovsky echoes these sentiments, revealing that Phoenix Sky Harbor, along with cities Deer Valley and Goodyear airports, are considering programs that could activate AAM technologies in the coming years.
To further this agenda, the Arizona Commerce Authority, in concert with the Phoenix Aviation Department, is pitching a proposal to join the Federal Aviation Administration's Electrical Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program (eIPP). This initiative is geared toward expediting the roll-out of AAM craft, fostering a collaborative environment where both public and private sectors can navigate the complexities of regulation and operational safety for these advanced vehicles.
As America's Friendliest Airport®, Phoenix Sky Harbor boasts an economic impact of over $44 billion yearly. It witnesses, on an average day, the comings and goings of roughly 1,000 aircraft and in excess of 130,000 passengers. This airport, alongside Phoenix Deer Valley (DVT) and Phoenix Goodyear (GYR) airports, all fall under the City of Phoenix Aviation Department's stewardship. DVT takes the lead as the busiest general aviation airport in the U.S., serving private flights, corporate, and training. GYR, nestled in Goodyear, supports similar operations. It's a movement towards the skies, with an eye towards the horizon, and the Aviation Department is at its helm, steering Phoenix towards a bold, technologically advanced age in transport.
