Photo Courtesy of City of Phoenix
Phoenix Sky Harbor’s International Airport recently unveiled its eighth concourse to much fanfare. Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, members of the Phoenix City Council, other local leaders, and Southwest Airlines corporate, arrived to the new concourse on the airline’s Arizona One flagship aircraft where they cut a ribbon to debut the concourse. The concourse, which opened to departing flights and passengers at the end of June, will be used by Southwest and will offer eight additional gates for the airline.
“Phoenix Sky Harbor delivers a $38 billion annual economic impact, and the new concourse is filled with innovations and experiences that travelers will enjoy and remember,” says Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego.
The new, state-of-the-art eight-gate concourse is solely occupied by Southwest Airlines. The 275,000 square foot space features a variety of customer amenities, including access to charging stations in every seat, an animal relief area, family restroom, nursing room, and hearing loop connectivity, which will allow those with hearing devices to connect to the PA system.
Additionally, the concourse will feature new local shops and restaurants, as well as a common-use airport lounge. Local favorites Pedal Haus Brewery and Berry Divine – Acai Bowls will be in the new concourse as well as regional concepts like Bobby’s Burgers and Eegee’s as well as national chain Chick-Fil-A. Sip Coffee & Beer will also provide travelers with several local products from concepts such as Native Ground Coffee, Mother Road Brewing and Half Moon Empanadas.
The retail shops will introduce not only national brands at the Uptown Phoenix shop and InMotion Entertainment, but also through a partnership, access to local products from Changing Hands Bookstores, Made Art Boutique and Melrose Pharmacy. AD Partnership will also be opening the Chase Sapphire Lounge by the Club. It will feature 3,500 square feet of space and provide travelers a specially curated menu with a focus on local items.
The shops, restaurants, and lounge will be opening in the coming months, and in the meantime, customers will find food and beverage and retail kiosks.
The new concourse also showcases the arts. In fact, Phoenix Sky Harbor is no stranger to art, with one of the largest Airport Museum Programs in the country, as well as extensive art elements throughout the airport. This new concourse features the 12th terrazzo floor that artists have designed for the Airport’s PHX Sky Train system and terminal enhancements over the past 10 years. The immersive, art project consists of a 30’ x 300’ terrazzo floor and 28 2’ x 3’ airplane window shaped, terrazzo wall pieces called “Phoenix Lights, Phoenix Rising” designed by artist Susan Logoreci. The floor depicts aerial views of the Phoenix landscape. The new installation provides travelers the opportunity to pause and enjoy something special before or after their flights.
The new concourse, which is applying for LEED Silver Certification, also has several sustainable elements. This includes 14,000 square feet of electrochromic glazing throughout the concourse. This intelligent technology provides various levels of tinting depending upon the level of sunlight at any given point during the day and not only helps to keep travelers comfortable, but to improve energy efficiency as well.
To learn more, visit skyharbor.com.
