In a recent development, United Airlines’ CEO proposed a merger with American Airlines during a February meeting with President Donald Trump, as reported by multiple news sources.
American Airlines, with a major hub at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, has a storied history intertwined with Arizona’s aviation past. This includes its 2013 merger with Tempe-based US Airways, creating the world’s largest airline.
The roots of these mergers trace back to 2007 when US Airways combined with America West, relocating its headquarters to Arizona. Founded in 1983, America West served as Phoenix’s primary airline for over two decades.
Cary Grant, a professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, remarked on the significant role America West played in Phoenix’s development. “There was a lot of pride in both the city government and the business leaders of the day,” he noted. “‘Hey, look what we’re growing, corporate headquarters, come here because we’ve got our own airline.’”
Grant emphasized that the expansion of Sky Harbor Airport and its Terminal 4 was largely due to America West, which eventually transformed into US Airways. “The lasting legacy of America West will be that it was Phoenix’s hometown airline, and it will always be known as Phoenix’s hometown airline,” he added.
Despite the transition from America West to US Airways, the airline’s influence on Phoenix as an aviation hub remained strong. The arena known today as Mortgage Matchup Center was originally the America West Arena, retaining its name until the US Airways merger.
“It sets a cultural icon just like America West arena,” Grant explained. “Everybody will remember it as America West Arena long after that company’s gone. So you do set a culture that has a mark that lasts a long, long time.”
Interestingly, American Airlines continues to operate an aircraft adorned with the America West branding, keeping a piece of Phoenix’s aviation history alive.
—
Read More Arizona News
