February 25 2025
Written By: PHL Newsroom
Hello Team PHL and PNE,
The numbers for 2024 are finally in, and it is great news for the DOA!
We welcomed almost 30.9 million passengers to PHL— a 9.8 percent increase over 2023. With nonstop flights to new foreign destinations such as Nice, Naples, Copenhagen, Barbados and Costa Rica,
the number of international guests served by PHL in 2024 was almost 3.9 million—up 6.5 percent from 2023.
At PNE, plane movements were up 6.6 percent over 2023, to more than 122,000. The airport also retained its status as Pennsylvania’s top general aviation airport.
These are just a few of the wins from 2024 that we are building on to be even more successful in 2025. For example, throughout last year, our HR team hosted recruitment fairs for a variety of key DOA positions and streamlined the hiring process to fill many of these openings. Look for HR to continue to enhance its recruitment efforts.
Among the new hires were members of Guest Experience’s Customer Care Team. This group is dedicated to delivering exceptional service to guests throughout their journey in PHL’s terminals. As we prepare for more guests in 2025 for events like the FIFA Club World Cup and the US Navy’s and Marines’ Homecoming 250, as well as those traveling through PHL for our new destinations, like Mexico City, Edinburgh and Milan, the Care Team will help us shine.
During 2024, we made progress on our massive restroom renovation program; we successfully launched our Park PHL programs for valet and the economy lot; and saw the grand opening of new local concessions like Sabrina’s and Elixr, and the fifth La Colombe location. We coordinated the successful construction of a new Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club which just had its grand opening. We look forward to opening more newly renovated restrooms, extending Park PHL Reserve to the garages and cutting the ribbon for local favorites Oyster House and Federal Donuts.
We’re also proud of the investments we made for employees – from new facilities like the Pavement & Grounds building to the Custodial Operations Center to the Employee Roadshow meetings, and the expanded employee resource groups. The next round of these roadshow meetings will begin next month. The chief officers and I are looking forward to connecting with you at one of these meetings to discuss the progress on your teams’ goals and on the DOA’s strategic plan.
Thank you for what you do for our airports every day.
-Atif
HR Updates
Training Calendar
| Date | Course | Location/Meeting Link |
| March 3 & 4, March 17 & 18, & March 31 & April 1 |
New Employee Orientation (NEO) |
International Plaza 2, Suite 325, HR Training Room Update- New Employee Orientation will be held for two days for administrative staff (non-shift workers). New employees will also have the opportunity to tour PHL and complete PHL WORKS Customer Service Training. Notifications to new employees will be communicated by the Department of Aviation’s Human Resources and Training & Development Departments. If you have additional questions or have an employee that will need to attend, please contact [email protected]. |
| Wednesday, March 5, Wednesday, March 19 | Work with P.R.I.D.E! Training Series |
International Plaza 2, Suite 325, Conference Room E Must have supervisor's approval |
| Thursday, March 6, Thursday, March 13, Wednesday, March 19, & Thursday, March 20 |
New Supervisory Training Series: Lead Forward-Supervising with P.R.I.D.E. |
International Plaza 2, Suite 325, Conference Room E Must have supervisor's approval |
| Wednesday, March 12 | Microsoft Word III |
International Plaza 2, Suite 325, Conference Room A Only 10 spots available! Must have supervisor's approval |
| Wednesday, March 12 | PHL Well Monthly Webinar: How to Cultivate Compassion & Empathy in the Workplace |
1:30PM - 2:30PM |
New Hires
Welcome to our new hires!
Marion Dugan — Airport Communications Operator 1
Mitchell Milagros — Airport Communications Operator 1
Wayne Garris — Human Resouces Technical Specialist (ERU)
Meet Shirley Dash - DOA's New Director of IT Operations
Shirley Dash is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the IT infrastructure, technology evaluations and selections, implementation, delivery, and assessment of the airport's technology infrastructure systems and services. She reports into Camille Tomlin, Vice President of IT Systems and Infrastructure. Airport-wide technology including data centers, voice/telecom services, wired and wireless networks, on-premises and cloud server environments are under her direction.
Shirley has over 25 years of experience in the technology industry and served as the Manager of IT Services & Product Experience with the City of Philadelphia's Office of Innovation and Technology (OIT).
Shirley - also known as "EagleShirley" - is a dedicated supporter of Philadelphia’s sports teams, especially the Philadelphia Eagles, often expressing her support via radio, television, and social media.
Deferred Compensation Plan Info Session
Please join Nationwide, PHL’s Deferred Compensation provider, for an informative session with representatives in the third floor HR Conference Room on Mondays March 3, 17, and 31, from 2:30-3 PM. All DOA employees are encouraged to attend to learn more about enrollment options and the benefits of deferred compensation. For more information, email [email protected].
National Conference for Women Virtual Screenings
March is Women’s History Month and the DOA is hosting virtual watch events on Wednesday, March 5 from 11 AM-5 PM. Join sessions in the IP2, fourth floor fishbowl or the Terminal D, third floor Executive Conference Room. See speaker info here.
Sign up for the virtual event here.
Airport Employee Resource Groups (AEGs)
In addition to the AEGs listed below, There are also affinity groups bringing together employees for activities. If you are interested in participating or leading an AEG at PHL/PNE, email your idea(s) to [email protected]. There must be five people and a leader for implementation. For questions about other City Resource Groups, contact Brenna Schmidt at [email protected].
Young Professionals in Business Aviation (YoPros): This group is for airport employees who are 40 and under and interested in networking and connecting with other young professionals. Amy Liu from Capital Development, has been named co-chair who will work alongside fellow co-chair Latia White. To join the YoPro planning committee or have any ideas for the group, please reach out to [email protected] or [email protected]. Upcoming YoPro Events:
- Wed., 3/12 - Wellness Wednesdays Lunch at noon in the Fishbowl, IP2 4th floor. Please bring your favorite card or board game and unwind with the YoPros!
- Wed., 3/26 - CSO, Cassie Schmid will join the monthly meeting to share her career journey and gems for professional growth.
- Fri., 3/28 - “Lunch & Connect” Speed Networking event. The goal of the event is to connect as many DOA staff as possible in a short amount of time.
GoldPros: This group provides resources, support and encouragement for challenges that are a part of life for women over 40. They meet every second Wednesday from 10-11:30am. If you would like to join, email [email protected].
Women of Color in Aviation and Allies: This group is a fantastic opportunity for connection, empowerment, and collaboration as members share experiences, ideas, and support one another. If you have any questions or topics you would like to explore, contact [email protected].
- The next meeting will feature Carol Rickards for a virtual Laughing Yoga presentation on Tuesday, 3/18 at 12 Noon. Location TBD.
New! Phlight Club: This group is for men over 40 and allies. The first meeting will be held March 27 at 2pm. Location TBD. To join or get more info, contact [email protected].
PHL – PNE Book Club
The PHL-PNE Book Club will meet to discuss the book "Leadership on the Line" on the following days:
Session 2 on Friday, March 14, 2025
Session 3 on Friday, March 28, 2025
Both sessions will take place from 12PM-1PM in the IP2 fourth floor Conference Room F, 4505. For more information, email [email protected].
Authorized Signer Portal Goes Live March 31
The DOA’s Authorized Signer Portal, the streamlined online badging program designed to simplify the badging process for both signers and employees of all airport entities, will go live for users across the airport on March 31.
Airport employees are now able to submit their badge applications online. The Authorized Signer Portal provides designated users with convenient access to information for their company's badged employees and those in the process of obtaining new or renewal badges, as well as the ability to review and submit badge applications. The new process eliminates the need for paper applications, except in cases involving customs seals, which the DOA Security team is working to streamline.
The portal offers authorized signers several benefits, including:
- Access to their company's badge database
- Real-time clearance notifications of new employees as they go through the badging process
- Ability to generate badge reports (previously requested via email to DOA - Security)
- Capability to deactivate/reactivate badges
- Authority to modify badge statuses (e.g., lost, stolen, name change)
- Ability to request or remove access for individual employee badges or for all your employees collectively
For more information about the Authorized Signer Portal or to ask questions, email [email protected].
Information Security - Get to Know KnowBe4
KnowBe4 is a cybersecurity training platform designed to enhance the security posture of PHL Airport by providing security awareness training and simulated phishing attacks. The platform educates employees about common cyber threats such as phishing, social engineering, and other tactics used by attackers. By conducting regular simulations and offering ongoing training, KnowBe4 helps reduce the risk of human error, which is a common cause of security breaches at PHL.
In addition to training and simulations, KnowBe4 provides essential resources, including compliance reporting, risk management tools, and information on the latest cyber threats and best practices. The goal is to equip PHL Airport employees with the knowledge and skills needed to identify and avoid potential threats, strengthening the airport’s defenses against cyberattacks.
Phish Alert Button (PAB)
A key feature of KnowBe4 is the Phish Alert Button (PAB), which allows PHL Airport email users to easily report suspicious emails to the Information Security (InfoSec) department. When an employee receives a potentially malicious email, they can click the Phish Alert Button to flag the email for review. The InfoSec team then investigates the email using security tools to determine if it is malicious, clean, or spam. The user who reported the email receives a follow-up response, and appropriate action is taken.
The Phish Alert Button empowers employees to act quickly when they suspect an email may be a phishing attempt, helping the InfoSec team to swiftly investigate and mitigate potential threats. Additionally, it creates a feedback loop that allows the security team to analyze flagged emails and improve the company’s training and defense strategies.
MarketPlace PHL
Sports Talk
The next Sports Talk session featuring current and former Philadephia Eagles players is happening on March 7 at the B/C stage at 12PM. Please feel free to stop by and cheer “Go Birds!”
PHL Cheesesteak Week
PHL Cheesesteak Week will take place from March 24-28, with the official kickoff event on Monday, March 24 (stay tuned for details!) Don't forget to use the special promotional code CHZSTK25 at www.orderatphl.com to recevie 25% off one order. Don't miss this delicious celebration!
To sign up for employee discounts, text PHLSHOPDINE to 267-550-0996.
The Latest From PHL's Online Newsroom
At the Airport
Get ready for a new way to navigate PHL airport
Want to know which terminals have pizzerias or where to find a cheesesteak? Need to find the closest restroom with a changing room? Now you can with the airport’s new navigation kiosks. PHL recently introduced digital Wayfinding Units between Terminals D and E. The state-of-the-art units are designed to smooth the airport experience as the interactive LED touch screens give passengers instant access to everything they need.
Press Releases
PHL’s 2024 Passenger Volume Surpasses 30 Million
PHL welcomed almost 30.9 million passengers in 2024 — an increase of almost 10 percent over 2023. Over 3.8 million of those passengers traveled to and from international destinations. “2025 will be even more eventful. In June, Aeroméxico will join our airline partners and begin year-round daily service to Mexico City. Also, this summer, American will introduce seasonal service to Milan and Edinburgh. The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 matches at Lincoln Financial Field and the United States Navy’s and Marine Corps’ Homecoming 250 celebration will bring even more guests to PHL,” said CEO Atif Saeed.
People at PHL
Employees Honored with the Department’s Top Recognition
Employees from the Department of Aviation came together February 10, to celebrate their fellow co-workers for the annual P.R.I.D.E. Awards ceremony. Employees who retired in 2024 were also acknowledged, along with others who achieved 15, 25, and 35 years of service with the City of Philadelphia.
PHL Celebrates Black History Month - PHL Pavement & Grounds (P&G) Superintendent Ryan Moten
Black History Month honors Black individuals' contributions, achievements, and experiences throughout history. PHL and PNE celebrate by recognizing employees who make a significant difference in the workplace. Meet Ryan Moten (left), PHL Pavement & Grounds (P&G) Superintendent. In his role, Moten oversees P&G’s employees and work, which includes landscaping, pavement repair, sanitation, street sweeping, snow removal, and grass cutting. Throughout his 12 years at PHL, Moten has held a number of roles advancing into his current position.
PHL Safe & Sound – Allied Universal Security Officer Crystal Oberton
Allied Universal Security Officer Crystal Oberton received the “Safe & Sound” award in PHL's Employee Recognition Program. This award recognizes employees who safeguard the integrity and safety of passengers through proactive communication, exemplary teamwork, courage, and decisive action. As a security oOfficer, Oberton is the eyes and ears of the airport’s baggage claim and collaborates with Airport Police, Operations, and all safety entities at PHL to protect guests.
