MESA, Ariz., 2013-04-16 — /travelprnews.com/ — Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority Board of Directors authorized a contract with D.L. Withers Construction today to build an additional two gates and an additional outdoor courtyard at the Airport’s Charles L. Williams Passenger Terminal at a cost of $4,871,600. The additional gates will increase the total number of gates from eight to ten and the courtyard, located beyond the security checkpoint, will provide another unique outdoor respite for travelers as they wait to board their aircraft.
The announcement comes on the heels of a preliminary report by Airport Council International listing Gateway Airport as the fastest growing commercial airport in America for total passengers served, based on percentage increase.
The airline passenger count for 2012 totaled 1,384,361, a 45 percent bounce from the 956,665 passenger total for the previous year.
“No other airport in the country has enjoyed the level of success as Gateway,” said City of Mesa Mayor and Airport Authority Board Chair, Scott Smith. “It’s exciting to see Gateway thrive, continue to create new jobs and build a healthy economy.”
The 2012 passenger total is more than three times the 357,165 passengers that used the airport in 2008. In 2009, the passenger count was 579,059; for 2010 it was 804,340.
The Airport’s long-term expansion plans call for a new terminal to be built near Gateway’s eastern border with links to Ellsworth Road, three Loop 202 interchanges and access from the future State Route 24, known as Gateway Freeway.
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About Gateway Airport
The Airport was established in 1994 and is owned and operated by the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority, which consists of the Gila River Indian Community, Gilbert, Mesa, Phoenix, and Queen Creek. Gateway Airport offers nonstop passenger service via Allegiant, Frontier, and Spirit Airlines with nonstop flights to over 35 cities and continuing service to over 50 additional cities nationwide. For more information, visit www.phxmesagateway.org.
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority Media Contact:
Brian Sexton, Marketing and Communications
Phone: 480-988-7618
Email: bsexton@phxmesagateway.org