The city of Phoenix Aviation Department’s outbreak prevention, response and recovery protocols have earned its three airports, including Phoenix Goodyear Airport, recognition from the Global Biorisk Advisory Council.

In addition to Phoenix Sky Harbor, Phoenix Goodyear and Phoenix Deer Valley airports achieved GBAC STAR accreditation. Goodyear and Deer Valley are the first general aviation airports in the country to receive the accreditation, the aviation department stated in a release.

“Since the pandemic started, the world has come to realize the significance and importance of proper cleaning and disinfection to protect our health,” Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said in a prepared statement. “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.”

Accreditation represents a high level of achievement within the cleaning industry, including 20 components that a facility must meet to achieve accreditation. Facilities also must 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, all three 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, the release sated.

“Receiving the GBAC STAR facility accreditation at all three city of Phoenix airports is an outstanding achievement,” said District 8 Phoenix Councilman 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 Debra Stark, who is a member of the Transportation, Infrastructure and Innovation Subcommittee. “I am very proud of the entire Aviation team for earning the GBAC STAR accreditation.”

For additional on what Phoenix Sky Harbor is doing to keep travelers safe, visitskyharbor.com/BeforeTraveling/health-information. For more information on the GBAC Star Program, visit https://gbac.issa.com/issa-gbac-star-facility-accreditation.