Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport & Weitz: A 20 Year Partnership of Collaboration, Expertise, and Community
Over the past 20 years, The Weitz Company has built a strong partnership with Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), playing an integral role in the growth and modernization of America’s Friendliest Airport. With 170 years of construction experience nationally and 47 years of building in Arizona, Weitz has contributed to numerous landmark projects that have shape Phoenix and many surrounding communities. The company’s extensive portfolio with PHX is just another highlight of their long-standing commitment to grow the community, while also leveraging the company’s national aviation expertise to deliver premier projects at airports across the globe.
Weitz’s History at PHX
Weitz’s experience at PHX features several key projects such as the iconic PHX Sky Train Automated People Mover (APM). This project involved multiple phases over several years to construct the APM’s track and the Sky Train’s Maintenance & Storage Facility.
Additionally, Weitz reconstructed Level 3 in Terminal 4 including the complete modernization of 24 public access elevators, retail stores in all concourses, modification of Security Checkpoint C, mechanical, electrical and plumbing system replacement, and a new freight elevator installation. This project modernized the terminal, increased operational efficiency, and elevated the overall passenger experience.
Partnership, Collaboration & Growth
As one of the busiest airports in the United States, serving over 50 million passengers annually and growing, PHX projects require careful planning and coordination to ensure minimal disruption to daily operations and the traveler experience remains convenient and hassle-free.
To successfully navigate these obstacles, Weitz leverages their team of seasoned professionals in the aviation construction industry with those who have PHX specific experience. With experience on multiple PHX projects, Weitz Sr. Preconstruction Manager, Paul Schoeffler understands the intricacies of complex aviation projects and the importance of strong collaboration between partners.
“What distinguishes us is the invaluable partnerships we’ve built with the City of Phoenix and all the stakeholders involved. The Weitz Company focuses on safety, the protection of airport operations and close collaboration with the City of Phoenix, which is the cornerstone of our success, ensuring that we continue to operate smoothly and safely, enhance passenger experience, and drive innovation. Together, we’re building a community that thrives on shared purpose and commitment.”
Paul Schoeffler, Sr. Preconstruction Manager | The Weitz Company
As a result of the company’s ongoing success and partnership with PHX, Weitz recently received the Phoenix Aviation Department Business Champion Recognition Award in the category of Aviation Phenomenal Champion of the Year by the City of Phoenix’s Aviation Department.
Building The PHX of Tomorrow
Looking to the future, the City of Phoenix selected Weitz as the General Contractor to upgrade PHX’s Terminal 4 Baggage Handling System. This project will primarily focus on the complete replacement of a 35+ year old baggage handling outbound, screening and inbound claim system including all associated architectural, and MEP replacement/modifications. The complete modernization of Terminal 4 BHS includes multiple sections of the overall BHS process in Terminal 4. This project will dramatically reduce the energy cost of the baggage handling system, improve overall baggage tracking, and increase efficiency allowing bags to flow through the system quicker, extending the life of Terminal 4 for another 30+ years.
Since 1855, Weitz has proudly supported their communities by building projects and forging partnerships that grow the community through collaboration and expertise. Weitz is proud of its accomplishments at PHX and look forward to continuing to partner with the City of Phoenix in the years ahead.
