British Airways announced that the nonstop service between Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and London Heathrow Airport will increase from six to seven days per week beginning December 5, 2012.
“This is great news for Phoenix and our entire region,” Mayor Greg Stanton said. “Intercontinental flights are huge contributors to the success of our Phoenix airport system, our city’s economy and our region’s overall economic future. Building upon the $33 billion the airport pumps into our economy each year, this new flight is a boost that shows how our economy continues to improve.”
This community has seen an economic benefit from the nonstop British Airways flight since it first arrived in Phoenix on July 1, 1996. Adding the seventh day of service is estimated to bring the total economic impact of this flight to $100 million per year.
“International air service development is a focus for us at the city of Phoenix because it’s good for jobs, business and our overall economic development,” said Phoenix City Councilwoman Thelda Williams, who serves on the Downtown Aviation Economy and Education subcommittee.
Airports compete for air service and Phoenix city manager David Cavazos is keenly aware of how important flights are to the vitality of the city and the State. “My goal is to continue to gain additional international routes, while ensuring that this British Airways flight remains successful,” he said.
This European service is important not only to the business community, but to the tourism industry as well. Sherry Henry, director of the Arizona Office of Tourism, said, “International visitors tend to stay longer to explore the state and more flight options from London will give travelers from the UK and Europe additional opportunities to visit Arizona.”
