The Federal Aviation Administration announced last week that it has chosen Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Prescott campus as the first school in Arizona to join the Enhanced Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program, marking a significant expansion of the state’s role in strengthening the nation’s aviation workforce.

Embry-Riddle Prescott becomes just the ninth institution nationwide authorized to provide the advanced curriculum and training technology previously available only at the FAA’s Air Traffic Controller Academy in Oklahoma City. Students who complete the Enhanced AT-CTI program and meet FAA standards can transition directly into on-site facility training, bypassing portions of the traditional academy process.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the initiative reflects the FAA’s commitment to modernizing its workforce pipeline.

“We’re taking aggressive action at the FAA to recruit the best and brightest into our controller workforce by making the training process more efficient than ever,” Duffy said. “These jobs are critical to keeping our skies safe, and with the expansion of our training capabilities through Enhanced AT-CTI schools, we are bolstering our aviation workforce and ushering in a higher volume of controllers beyond our previous capabilities.”

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford highlighted Embry-Riddle’s role in preparing the next generation of controllers.

“The safety of the National Airspace System is our number one priority, and the Enhanced AT-CTI program will help build the next generation of air traffic controllers,” Bedford said.

Arizona’s growing role in aviation

Embry-Riddle President P. Barry Butler said the FAA’s approval of both the Prescott and Daytona Beach campuses underscores the university’s strong training standards.

“Having both Air Traffic Management programs at Embry-Riddle’s Daytona Beach and Prescott campuses approved for this critical FAA initiative demonstrates the high level of training and education Embry-Riddle provides,” Butler said. “We are proud to see our highly skilled, professional graduates immediately join the controller ranks for training to keep air traffic moving safely and efficiently.”

Grace Applebe, executive director of the Arizona Manufacturers Council, said the announcement sends a strong signal about Arizona’s role as a hub for advanced aviation technology and workforce development.

“The FAA’s decision to bring the Enhanced AT-CTI program to Embry-Riddle Prescott highlights Arizona’s growing reputation as a center for aviation and aerospace excellence,” she said. “Companies making decisions about where to invest in next-generation technology see that Arizona not only offers the right business climate but also the talent pipeline to sustain long-term growth.”

The FAA has stepped up its recruitment and training efforts in response to increased demand for air traffic controllers. During its most recent “Supercharge” hiring campaign, the agency received more than 10,000 applications, with over 8,300 moving forward to testing. In August, more than 600 students were in training at the FAA Academy, the highest number in the agency’s history. The Enhanced AT-CTI program aims to accelerate this pipeline by leveraging partner institutions like Embry-Riddle. Students must still pass rigorous testing, medical, and security requirements before reporting directly to FAA facilities for hands-on training.

Image courtesy Embry-Riddle Prescott – Embry-Riddle Image Repository, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29442337

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This column by Arizona ˿����Ƶ of Commerce & Industry President and CEO Danny Seiden originally .

Arizona has an important choice to make when it comes to growth: We can try to stop it, or we can plan wisely for it and ensure that it positions the state for a prosperous future.

BNSF Railway is choosing the smarter path: preparing thoughtfully for growth and helping position Arizona for a brighter tomorrow. Building on the legacy of its predecessor, the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe — whose tracks helped transform Arizona in the late 1800s — BNSF is looking ahead to help ensure the state’s continued economic strength.

BNSF is working to develop a state-of-the-art freight rail facility in northwest Maricopa County near Phoenix. When complete, Logistics Park Phoenix (LPP) will add critical rail capacity, supporting Arizona’s growth and prosperity by efficiently processing and delivering the goods families and businesses use every day.

The new $3.2 billion, 4,320-acre facility will feature a rail-served intermodal terminal, logistics center and logistics park. It will facilitate the transportation, storage and distribution of goods throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area and the broader Southwest region. Integrating with BNSF’s extensive 32,500-mile freight rail network, this facility will connect the region to the global marketplace and strengthen the supply chain, while maximizing use of rail, the most environmentally efficient way to move goods.

The benefits are significant: LPP is expected to create 76,000 direct and indirect jobs, generate nearly $4 billion in labor income, and contribute $258 million annually in tax revenue to support Maricopa County schools, community colleges, flood control management and other local initiatives.

This is undeniably good news. Unfortunately, not everyone sees it that way.

Somehow even economic development and job creation have become controversial.

But no economy has ever gotten stronger by rejecting growth.

If we slam the brakes on new capital and future-focused investment, we’ll lose jobs. People will stop coming. Our population will shrink. Our economy will stagnate. Achieving the president’s goal of building a resilient domestic manufacturing supply chain will become more difficult.

The Arizona ˿����Ƶ of Commerce & Industry believes that strong and modern infrastructure is essential to a healthy economy. Equally critical is Arizona’s ability to attract and develop businesses in diverse industry sectors. We support policies that improve Arizona’s economic vitality, retain existing businesses, and spur new business growth and job creation.

The ˿����Ƶ strongly supports planning efforts that will enhance the efficiency and convenience with which goods and people are moved through the state. This includes supporting rail projects such as Logistics Park Phoenix.

Arizona’s success stems from its embrace of opportunity, innovation and responsible growth.

We can’t let critics divert attention from what’s working. Arizona’s progress isn’t a problem to solve — it’s a model of how pro-growth policies drive broad-based success. Shutting out new jobs and residents won’t protect what makes Arizona unique; it will weaken it.

Choosing stagnation over progress risks undoing the vibrant state we’ve created and turning it into the kind of place people and investment flee. Let’s make the right choice and plan for Arizona’s future.

Danny Seiden is the president and CEO of the Arizona ˿����Ƶ of Commerce & Industry.

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Not long ago, the idea of cars driving themselves seemed like something out of a sci-fi movie. But Arizona leaned in. Today we’re a national leader in autonomous vehicle innovation, with self-driving cars navigating city streets and even making curbside airport drop-offs.

Now, thanks to a major legislative win this session, Arizona is setting its sights higher, laying the groundwork for a new era of electric-powered air travel.

With the passage of SB 1307, Arizona is officially getting serious about advanced air mobility, the use of electric aircraft to carry passengers and cargo across urban and regional areas. Think flying taxis, battery-powered passenger planes, and next-gen air vehicles designed to shuttle people and packages above city streets—quietly, cleanly, and without a runway.

In a fast-growing state like Arizona, where infrastructure must keep pace with expansion, the need for alternative transportation solutions is no longer just a long-term vision, but a near-term necessity.

SB 1307 directs the state to develop a comprehensive plan for integrating electric aircraft charging stations and vertiports—designated takeoff and landing areas—into Arizona’s broader aviation infrastructure. It also designates a statewide expert within the Arizona Department of Transportation to serve as a resource for local governments and industry partners. And it provides tools to help communities prepare for, attract, and safely integrate this transformative technology.

Much like Arizona did with autonomous vehicles a decade ago, we’re sending a clear message: innovation is welcome here. This legislation signals to manufacturers, infrastructure developers, and air mobility companies that Arizona isn’t just ready to test this technology—we’re ready to build around it.

That readiness translates to jobs, investment, and a competitive advantage in a sector projected to reach tens of billions of dollars in value globally. States that lead early will reap the biggest rewards.

Why does this matter? Advanced air mobility has the potential to fundamentally reshape how goods and people move, reducing congestion, increasing regional connectivity, and unlocking new opportunities for rural and underserved communities. By acting now, we ensure Arizona isn’t left reacting to change later, it’s helping lead it.

The Arizona ˿����Ƶ of Commerce & Industry and Arizona Manufacturers Council were proud to champion SB 1307 because we understand what’s at stake. With our strong aerospace and manufacturing base, pro-innovation policies, and collaborative public-private ecosystem, Arizona is uniquely equipped to be the hub for next-generation air mobility. This bill lays the foundation to make that vision a reality.

Arizona’s leadership in aerospace and defense didn’t happen by accident. We’re now ranked among the top three states in the nation for aerospace manufacturing strength, thanks to a deep talent pool, supportive policies, and global powerhouses like Boeing, Raytheon, Honeywell, and Northrop Grumman continuing to invest here. SB 1307 builds on that momentum—reinforcing our competitive edge and helping communities prepare for the future of flight.

Arizona’s economy thrives when we lean into what’s next. By continuing to embrace forward-looking policies like SB 1307, we’re making it clear: Arizona isn’t just along for the ride—we’re in the pilot’s seat.

Grace Appelbe is the executive director of the Arizona Manufacturers Council.

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Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego has announced that STARLUX Airlines plans to launch new nonstop service between Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Taoyuan International Airport in Taipei, Taiwan. 

The announcement came during Gallego’s annual State of the City Address. The route will mark the first direct air connection between Phoenix—and the entire state of Arizona—and Asia. Service is expected to begin early next year, operating three to four times weekly, pending final regulatory approvals.

“I knew from the moment I set foot in Phoenix that STARLUX should make the investment to fly here,” Chairman K.W. Chang said. “Not only is the growth of business between Taipei and Phoenix staggering, it’s a perfect match for our level of service. We are proud and honored to be the first carrier to provide nonstop Asia service for the Phoenix community.” 

The move comes amid growing economic ties between Arizona and Taiwan, including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s historic $165 billion investment in its Phoenix operations—the largest foreign direct investment in U.S. history.

“Phoenix’s first non-stop flight to Asia reflects the incredible strides we’ve made with our local economy, and our emergence as an international city,” Gallego said. “TSMC’s historic investment in Phoenix has brought thousands of high wage jobs and boosted our reputation as a semiconductor hub, and now it’s helping increase air service demand.”

The airline, founded by aviation pioneer and former EVA Air chairman Captain Kuo-Wei (K.W.) Chang, will initially operate the Phoenix-Taipei route using an Airbus A350-900, featuring 306 seats.

“I am thrilled that STARLUX Airlines has chosen Phoenix Sky Harbor as its newest destination,” Aviation Director Chad Makovsky said. “This significant win for Phoenix and our entire region is a testament to the vision and dedication of Mayor Gallego and our City Council as they support the continued growth and modernization of our airport to serve as a top-tier international gateway.”

According to Sky Harbor’s latest economic impact report, international flights contribute more than $3 billion annually to the local economy. This new Phoenix-Taipei route alone is projected to generate over $100 million in economic benefits each year. 

Ticket sales are expected to begin once regulatory approvals are finalized.

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A new logistics park planned for northwest Maricopa County is anticipated to create a multi-billion-dollar positive economic impact for the region once it’s approved by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.

Valued at $3.2 billion, the LPP project is expected to generate more than $3.9 billion in economic output during construction, creating more than 26,400 jobs and adding approximately $1.4 billion in labor income. State and local tax revenues from the construction phase alone are estimated to top $189.5 million, funding public services, infrastructure improvements, and community development.

Once operational, the logistics hub will continue to drive growth, supporting over 50,000 jobs annually and producing $2.5 billion in labor income each year. The long-term outlook includes $245.6 million in yearly state and local tax revenues, providing substantial fiscal support to Maricopa County, local municipalities, school districts, colleges, fire and medical services, and more.

“New jobs, new tax revenues for essential services, and a stronger regional economy. This is the type of project that states around the country fight for,” Arizona ˿����Ƶ of Commerce & Industry President and CEO Danny Seiden said. “A logistics hub of this scale not only is an impressive contributor to Maricopa County and the Northwest Valley’s economic assets, but it’s a tremendous job creator. We’d encourage supervisors to approve the project as soon as possible.”

What Is the Logistics Park Phoenix?

 The LPP is a master-planned, 4,320-acre freight facility that will integrate three major components:

• Intermodal Facility (IMF) – 1,770 acres for domestic intermodal container movement

• Logistics Center – 1,131 acres of rail-served customer facilities

• Logistics Park – 1,420 acres of adjacent warehousing and distribution space

These interconnected elements will allow businesses to efficiently process, transfer, store, and distribute goods throughout the Phoenix metro area and across the broader Southwest. The LPP will be located along existing BNSF railroad tracks near US-60 and will tie into the railway’s 32,500-mile national freight rail network, which advocates say will link Arizona to the global marketplace.

The location

The LPP will be situated just northwest of Phoenix, bounded by 211th Avenue, State Route 74, 235th Avenue, and US-60/Grand Avenue. The company chose the site to serve the industrial and commercial needs of the Phoenix area and to ease pressure on existing transportation infrastructure.

The facility will feature internal roadways that will allow goods to be transported between the intermodal terminal, warehouses, and logistics facilities without needing to hit public roads. 

The timeline and process 

Construction is slated to begin in late 2025 or early 2026, with the first phase of operations opening in 2028. That initial phase will include:

• 1 million square feet of warehousing

• 223,000 annual container lifts at the intermodal facility

• 2,400-square-foot truck terminal

• 25,000-square-foot general office space

By 2033, the project will ramp up to 11.5 million square feet of warehousing and 330,900 annual lifts. Full buildout by 2050 will feature:

• 18 million square feet of warehouse space

• 539,800 container lifts per year

• 20,000-square-foot truck terminal

Arizona Manufacturers Council Executive Director Grace Appelbe says Logistics Park Phoenix is good news for area manufacturers. 

“Our area’s manufacturing sector is growing so fast that we need to enhance our logistics infrastructure and freight mobility to maintain our momentum,” she said. “The LPP ensures we’ll have the means to get inputs into our market and finished products on their way to customers with fewer costly delays. It’s a modern logistics hub for today’s advanced supply chain.” 

Environmental benefits

The facility will be serviced by BNSF’s newer, cleaner-burning locomotive fleet, which Appelbe said her members support.

“We all know that economic development in Maricopa County is occurring against a backdrop of concerns over environmental regulations that could severely crimp our ability to attract jobs,” she said. “We’re making excellent progress with the EPA to recognize that some emissions are beyond our control, but we should still demonstrate that manufacturers and job creators will continue to look for opportunities to reduce emissions where possible.”

Photo courtesy����

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HopSkipDrive, a technology company, solving complex transportation challenges with equity, safety and care, is now available in Tucson for the 2024-2025 academic school year, offering local school districts a new option to supplement school buses and existing transportation options for students. HopSkipDrive supports more than 10,000 schools around the country, trusted to help solve local bus driver shortages, challenges with on-time arrivals, budget pressures and other issues.

“We’re thrilled to be launching in Tucson this year, to ensure that school districts and families have access to the reliable rides HopSkipDrive is known for across the country, as well as our industry-leading technology and unparalleled approach to safety,” said Joanna McFarland, CEO and co-founder of HopSkipDrive. “We know school transportation leaders are looking for additional solutions that offer safe, reliable transportation. CareDrivers are experienced caregivers from the Tucson community who undergo thorough vetting to ensure that children will be safe in their back seats.”

HopSkipDrive’s small vehicle network and dynamic driver availability fills gaps in transportation access. HopSkipDrive offers Tucson area school districts a flexible and reliable ride, especially for those students whose needs cannot be met with traditional school buses and fixed routes, including those experiencing homelessness, in foster care, or with disabilities. With HopSkipDrive, rides can be arranged with just eight hours’ notice, providing unparalleled safe and accessible transportation to support schools and students.

HopSkipDrive is actively welcoming new CareDrivers from the Tucson area to provide rides for students. Eligible drivers can earn up to $50 per ride and must have at least five years of caregiving experience and pass a 15-point certification process and rigorous vetting. Anyone interested in becoming a CareDriver can apply on HopSkipDrive’s website.��

Here’s how HopSkipDrive works:

• School districts identify students to receive rides from CareDrivers and inform parents and caregivers.
• Transportation officials then arrange rides directly through HopSkipDrive’s online platform.
• Once a ride has been booked, HopSkipDrive delivers ride details to organizers, parents and caregivers. All details, and real-time ride tracking, is available in the HopSkipDrive app.
• Riders and CareDrivers verify one another using a multi-factor verification system using birthdays, names, and code words, for an added layer of security before beginning the ride.
• Parents and caregivers of selected students will receive updates, including pickup times, live ride tracking, and CareDriver information, via text message and through the HopSkipDrive app.

HopSkipDrive partners with school districts across 13 states, supporting more than 10,000 schools. More than three million rides over 61 million miles have been completed through HopSkipDrive since the company was founded in 2014 by three working mothers.

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New polling conducted in Arizona on behalf of the Arizona ˿����Ƶ of Commerce & Industry and American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) shows that among likely voters there is strong opposition to government policies that would limit Americans’ access to gas-powered vehicles. 

By the numbers: Likely voters in Arizona oppose gas-car bans.

• 60% oppose, 20% support, 19% undecided

A supermajority in Arizona reports that a candidate’s position on stopping bans on new gas-cars is an important factor in their vote.

• 66% important, 12% not important

The reaction: “This new polling makes one thing clear: Arizonans want more choice — not less,” Arizona ˿����Ƶ of Commerce & Industry President and CEO Danny Seiden said. “Yet Washington is delivering one burdensome regulation after another — especially from the EPA. President Biden and Senators Kelly and Sinema should listen to voters and reverse course before it’s too late and make sure there is an all-of-the-above approach to vehicles for Arizonans.”

“This new polling underscores what we have been hearing from the American people of all political stripes for months—that they do not want the government banning gas cars, mandating electric vehicles or imposing regulations that restrict access to the types of cars that best meet a family’s needs and budget,” AFPM President and CEO Chet Thompson said. “Elected officials should take note that the American people care about this issue and are watching to see whether Congress will stand up and overturn EPA’s regulation banning the sale of most new gas cars.”

Also: Arizonans believe the United States is headed in the wrong direction. 

• 59% wrong track, 32% right track, 9% not sure

If the Presidential election were held today, Donald Trump would win Arizona.

• 49% Trump, 42% Biden, 4% Kennedy, 0% West, 1% Stein, 4% Undecided

On a generic Congressional ballot, Republicans polled higher in Arizona.

• 49% Republican, 45% Democrat, 7% undecided

The poll: The poll was fielded in Arizona between June 29-July 1 and was conducted by Remington Research Group. Six-hundred-thirty-eight likely 2024 General Election voters participated in the survey. The margin of error was +/-4% with a 95% level of confidence.

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