Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport

Specialties

Phoenix-​Mesa Gateway Airport in Mesa, Arizona is just plane easy for commercial passengers! With three expansive runways averaging 10,000 feet, a newly remodeled passenger terminal, and convenient parking, Phoenix-​Mesa Gateway Airport is a dynamic reliever airport to Phoenix’s Sky Harbor International Airport.

Gateway is also developing as an international aerospace center with aircraft maintenance, modification, testing, and pilot training. Currently, more than 60 aviation companies operate at the airport, generating more than $ 1.3 billion in annual economic activity.

In addition to the area’s skilled labor force, excellent year-​round flying weather and access to international markets, Gateway’s assets make it a prime location for global-​minded companies. Gateway has been designated as Foreign Trade Zone #221, as well as a Military Reuse Zone, offering aviation companies a significant financial edge in the global marketplace.

History

Established in 1994.

The former Williams Air Force Base (WAFB) played a strategic role in America’s aviation history. Over a span of 52 years, more than 26,500 men & women earned their wings at Williams. Gearing up for the combat pilot demands of WWII, the Army Air Corps broke ground in Mesa, AZ for its Advanced Flying School on July 16, 1941. In February 1942, the growing military base’s name was changed to Williams Field. The facility was redesignated as WAFB in January 1948. WAFB was the Air Force’s foremost pilot training facility, graduating more student pilots & instructors than any other base and supplying 25% of the Air Force’s pilots annually. WAFB was closed in 1993 creating a loss of more than 3,800 jobs & $ 300 million in annual economic activity. The WAFB Economic Reuse Plan was spearheaded by the Reuse Advisory Board & approved by the Governor in 1992. Today, Gateway’s is governed by an Airport Authority consisting of Phoenix, Mesa, Gilbert, Queen Creek, AJ and the Gila River Indian Community.