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Bennett, Ostreicher Announce PHX Retirement

James Bennett is retiring in October as director of aviation services for the Phoenix Aviation Department, operator of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), ending a 40-year career in aviation. Deborah Ostreicher, authority assistant director, also announced plans to retire in October.

Bennett served five years is his current position at the Phoenix Aviation Department and played a key role in winning victories in lawsuits with both the FAA and the rideshare companies. He also helped gain approval for the authority’s Comprehensive Asset Management Plan, initiated the new concourse for Southwest Airlines and spearheaded the completion of the Phoenix Sky Train, as well as the new John McCain Terminal 3 at PHX.

Ostreicher spent 25 years working with airlines to start service in Phoenix, while also building the city’s first-ever aviation public relations team. She was also instrumental in working with the community throughout the FAA flight path challenges and lawsuit.

The airport authority said Ostreicher’s position will not be filled, with duties redistributed among existing staff. It added it will begin a national search to recruit a replacement for Bennett.

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