Sugar Land Regional Airport director of aviation Phillip Savko died in December 2019 at the age of 63 after complications from a prolonged illness. Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Savko is survived by his brother Randy Savko and two sisters, Sue Morotto and Amy Filakovsky, as well as multiple nieces, nephews and grand-nieces.
Savko served as the director of aviation at the Sugar Land Regional Airport for 21 years. During his remarkable tenure, he oversaw an expansion of the airport that resulted in the airport’s frequent recognition by industry professionals as one of the top corporate aviation facilities in the country.
His visionary leadership included the airport’s first-ever airport business plan in 1999 that outlined plans for the airport’s role as a corporate business executive airport supporting the local community’s needs for general aviation. Savko continuously adjusted and executed the 1999 plan over the course of the next two decades.
Savko is credited with transforming the airport into the economic powerhouse that the airport is known for to this day. The airport attracts international travelers and businesses alike by offering state-of-the-art amenities and concierge services. The business plan outlined the airport’s strategy for increased development and improvements in addition to airport branding goals.
Sugar Land City Manager Allen Bogard said the following of Savko’s legacy: “We are all mourning the loss of Phil, and there really are no words to fully capture what Phil has meant to our organization and our community. From the beginning, Phil saw a vision for the airport and worked tirelessly to not only grow the airport, but to also leave a lasting impression. His attention to detail and commitment to excellence for the airport was the driving force behind every enhancement and accomplishment.”