Celebrating Excellence in Aviation: Greg Phillips and the COS Airport Featured in CEO Magazine

Taking Flight with Colorado Springs Airport

At W.E. O’Neil, we take pride in our partnerships with dedicated professionals who champion innovation and serve their communities.

We are thrilled to highlight the recent feature of Greg Phillips, Director of Aviation at Colorado Springs Airport, in the prestigious CEO Magazine. Greg is a key partner on our East Terminal Upgrades project, making way for international flights at the airport. This recognition is a testament to Greg’s commitment to enhancing the travel experience and driving positive change in the aviation industry.

Here are a few key takeaways from the article.

Community-Focused Vision

Greg Phillips leads Colorado Springs Airport with an unwavering dedication to exceptional customer service and a deep commitment to the community. With millions of travelers passing through each year, Greg understands the importance of ensuring every journey begins and ends with a positive experience. His military training from West Point and extensive work at Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), brings a unique perspective to his role.

Building Strong Foundations

As the former Deputy Program Manager overseeing the FAA’s involvement in the construction of Denver International Airport, Greg has a proven track record in project management and teamwork. His passion for aviation extends beyond his career; it has shaped his entrepreneurial journey and led him to manage five airports.

Greg’s expertise and vision are critical as he steers Colorado Springs Airport toward a brighter future, fostering a culture of service, accessibility, and growth.

Airports are more than just a facility that operates airplanes in and out; they introduce people to different communities. They send people around the world for exciting adventures and connect people for business. Airports bring people together.
_{Greg Phillips
Director of Aviation, Colorado Springs Airport}

A Catalyst for Growth

Under Greg’s leadership, Colorado Springs Airport has seen notable expansion. Greg organized a two-day tour for executives from Southwest Airlines that resulted in the announcement of five new routes and an influx of 2,000 daily seats.

W.E. O’Neil recently began renovating the east terminal to accommodate those new flights. This achievement enhances connectivity for our community and significantly boosts air service availability, with Southwest now accounting for over 50% of the airport’s flights.

Since 2019, the City of Colorado Springs has experienced a remarkable 49% growth, starkly contrasting the national average of just 1%. Greg emphasizes that this success is built on strong community involvement, essential for sustaining these new air services.

Commitment to Accessibility

Under Greg’s leadership the Colorado Springs Airport prioritizes accessibility for all travelers, focusing on disabled veterans and individuals with restricted mobility.

Initiatives such as hearing loops, sound-absorbing carpets, and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program showcase the airport’s commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that everyone finds welcoming support within their facilities.

Peak Innovation Park: A Vision for the Future

Greg also spearheaded alternate revenue streams for the airport. The development of Peak Innovation Park at Colorado Springs Airport is another significant step forward in diversification and economic resilience.

Encompassing 1,600 acres, this initiative is crucial to enhancing business opportunities and offsetting challenges like the 94% drop in air service revenue experienced during the pandemic. W.E. O’Neil is proud to be a construction partner on this project, reaffirming our commitment to supporting the airport’s growth and its impact on the local economy.

Focusing on Customer Service

At its core, the aviation business thrives on customer service, a philosophy that Greg Phillips champions at every level. He believes the airport’s responsibility is to contribute to the community beyond mere profit.

Colorado Springs Airport is a vital economic engine, connecting people for adventures and business. By reminding staff of the joy that reunions and journeys bring, Greg fosters a culture that unites our community and opens the world to all.

The journey ahead for Colorado Springs Airport, led by Greg Phillips, is an inspiring narrative of resilience, innovation, and connection.

At W.E. O’Neil Construction, we are honored to be part of this transformational journey and look forward to witnessing the continued growth and success of the airport and its community. Together, let’s keep building a brighter future!

Read the full piece about Greg on CEO Magazine’s website here.