American Airlines will be the anchor tenant at the planned West Terminal at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, city and airport officials announced Monday.
Phoenix’s Aviation Department said it selected American after months of careful analysis. The carrier currently operates from Terminal 4.
First announced two years ago, the West Terminal will add capacity mainly for international flights. The airport’s leaders have said they envision the terminal as Phoenix’s “front door” for growing international traffic. It will also be the first new terminal at Phoenix since Terminal 4 opened in 1990.
The facility is still in its planning stages; no designs have been released, and the terminal’s exact number of gates is still being worked out.
American is already the largest airline at Phoenix by passenger traffic, accounting for over 40%.
“Phoenix is a critical part of American’s network and we’re excited to continue to invest in the airport and this region’s future,” American CEO Robert Isom said in a news release. “We are proud to partner with the City of Phoenix and Sky Harbor on a vision that will support continued growth, create jobs, strengthen global connectivity, and deliver an even better experience for our customers with much-needed new premium spaces.”
Airport officials said a procurement process for the West Terminal is expected to begin next year. Construction could potentially begin in late 2029, they added, with an opening in late 2033.
The project will be funded with passenger facility charges, bonds, and airport funding; no local tax dollars will be used.
