City of Phoenix Aviation Department Recognized for Its Commitment to Clean

March 8, 2021

The City of Phoenix Aviation Department announced that it has been recognized in the GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation Program. Phoenix Sky Harbor, Phoenix Deer Valley and Phoenix Goodyear airports have all received this accreditation.

“Since the pandemic started, the world has come to realize the significance and importance of proper cleaning and disinfection to protect our health,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “To receive this distinction is a testament to our team’s commitment to making sure our travelers, operators, airlines, concessionaires, tenants and business partners have the safest environment possible when interacting with us.”

The Global Biorisk Advisory Council’s GBAC STAR facility accreditation program is an outbreak prevention, response, and recovery accreditation for facilities. It represents a high level of achievement within the cleaning industry, including 20 components that a facility must meet in order to achieve this accreditation. Facilities must also demonstrate that they have established and maintained a cleaning and disinfecting program to minimize risks of infectious diseases; have employed the proper protocols to clean and disinfect facilities; and have staff who are trained for outbreak and infectious disease preparation and response.

“Meeting the highest industry standards is a commitment that Phoenix’s airports consistently work to achieve,” said Vice Mayor Thelda Williams, chair of the Transportation, Infrastructure and Innovation Subcommittee. “Earning the GBAC STAR accreditation is the gold standard in a performance-based program and it demonstrates our commitment to safety and preparedness as we build confidence with our passengers, customers and employees in our facilities and procedures.”

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Phoenix Sky Harbor, Phoenix Deer Valley, and Phoenix Goodyear airports have employed a number of initiatives to ensure a safe, welcoming and healthy environment for those coming through the airports. This includes a robust cleaning program, the installation of plexiglass and UV-C LED sanitizing lights on escalator handrails and more.

“Receiving the GBAC STAR facility accreditation at all three City of Phoenix airports is an outstanding achievement,” said District 8 Phoenix Councilmember Carlos Garcia, who represents the district where Sky Harbor is located. “Travelers should feel assured that our facilities are clean and safe, with staff specifically trained to help stop the spread of COVID-19.”

“Phoenix Sky Harbor and the Deer Valley and Goodyear airports continue to provide world-class safe, clean facilities and service to our customers,” said District 3 Phoenix City councilwoman and member of the Transportation, Infrastructure and Innovation Subcommittee Debra Stark. “I am very proud of the entire Aviation team for earning the GBAC STAR accreditation.”