PHX Perspective

Recognizing Our Helpful Airport Navigators

America’s Friendliest Airport® could not have this distinction without the efforts put forth by its Navigator volunteers, who work to welcome and assist travelers through PHX Sky Harbor. Since April 18-24 is National Volunteer Week, Sky Harbor is taking the opportunity to show appreciation for its Navigators.

Many Airport partners are participating in the Volunteer Appreciation Week festivities, decorating their counters in purple and posting signs thanking the Navigators. Lexie Pierce, who works closely with the Navigator volunteers, says some Airport shops are even donating raffle prizes and gifts for Sky Harbor’s helpful volunteers, and offering Navigators in their uniforms a special discount just as a way of saying thanks for their service. “Airport employees are also wearing stickers this week that say ‘We (heart) our Navigator Volunteers’” said Pierce.

The Navigator program, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, began in 2000 with just 20 volunteers. Since that time, it has grown to become of the largest airport volunteer programs in the U.S. with about 340 volunteers today. The memorable Navigator, in the purple jacket or shirt, is recognized nationwide, said Pierce. And, since the beginning of the program, more than a half million hours of time have been given to helping passengers. Since the start of the program, Navigators have donated over a half million hours of their time to helping passengers at America’s Friendliest Airport.

Does becoming a volunteer Navigator interest you? Find out more on our Airport Volunteer page.