American Airlines named anchor carrier for Phoenix Sky Harbor's new West Terminal

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport has selected American Airlines as the primary carrier to operate in its future West Terminal, according to the airline. The project would be the first new terminal building at the airport in almost 40 years.

The West Terminal is a central part of Destination PHX 2050, the airport's long-term capital development programme. The airline said the facility will add premium spaces aimed at improving the customer experience and meeting rising travel demand, under a partnership with the city of Phoenix and airport authorities.

American is already the largest carrier at Sky Harbor. It accounts for roughly 40 per cent of passenger traffic there and carries more than 20 million customers a year, the airline says. Daily departures peak at more than 300 to over 100 nonstop destinations. The carrier employs about 8,000 people in Arizona.

Its network links Arizona and the southwestern United States with points across North America, Hawaii and Europe, alongside other international destinations. Chief executive Robert Isom said the designation reflects the importance of the airport to the airline.