We have accomplished many wonderful things over the last several years and we have many more on the horizon. Thank you for your support and well wishes.

I also want to thank you for your hard work during this busy spring and summer travel season. While we haven’t reached our 2019 record passenger volume numbers, we are well-above where we were in 2020 and 2021. Summer travel season is always challenge, but this year has been even more demanding due to weather, staffing shortages and airline schedule issues. I know that working together, we will succeed in meeting the challenges for the remainder of the summer.

Seeing more passengers in the terminals is just one of the recent good news stories for the airport:

• The Division of Aviation was awarded a $24 million FAA Airport Terminal Program grant for our restroom renovation program. Not only will this grant allow us to upgrade existing restrooms, but we will be adding additional sets to better serve our customers. This grant will allow us to use money allocated for the restrooms for other key infrastructure improvements.
• From August 7-9, we will host the AAAE-NEC annual conference and welcome our colleagues from airports across the northeastern U.S. and Canada to PHL and PNE.
• The airport’s 5K run/walk will return on September 10. This is the first time since 2019 that we’ve held the 5K and I’m looking forward to seeing you on the runway. Be sure to register now at via the link at phl.org/phl5k and reserve your space!

As we enter the final weeks of summer, I remind you all to take some time to rest and recharge. The coming months are shaping up to be just as busy.

-Keith

HR Updates

Vacation sell-back for DC33 and DC47 employees 

Due to a glitch in the OnePhilly system, DC 33 and DC 47 employees are unable to enter their own Vacation Sellback request in the OnePhilly Employee Self-Service option.   

If you wish to participate in the Vacation Sellback program, please email the following information to Virna Mitchell at [email protected]: 

1. First and Last name. 
2. Your payroll number.  
3. The amount of hours you would like to sell. 
4. Your contact number. 

Once requests are entered into the system and you will be notified of your confirmation.   

Under the Vacation Sellback Program, DC 33 and DC 47 employees have the option to: 

1. Sell up to 75 hours (10 days) of accrued vacation in return for the cash value of the leave time. 
2. Sell-back requests must be in whole-day increments. 
3. Taxes will be withheld in the same manner as for regular wages.  
4. Payments will be made as part of a regular payroll run and disbursed in the same way as the employee’s regular pay.  
5. The minimum remaining balance is 40 days. This is equivalent to 300 hours (7.5 hours per workday x 40 days).  
6. The maximum sell-back is 10 days. 
7. The sell-back period is July 1, 2022 through August 31, 2022 for the 2022 calendar year. 

DC33 Sick Leave Policy Reminder 

DC 33 Members Sick Leave Policy changed effective 1/1/22

For more information, visit https://www.afscme33.org/contract for the DC 33 contract. 

Dress Code Policy Reminder for Non-Uniformed Employees

In 2021, the Division of Aviation extended its relaxation of the Dress Code to permit non-uniformed employees to utilize a casual, dress down Friday Dress Code on a daily basis.  As a reminder, it is still the expectation that employees maintain a professional appearance while at work. Therefore, the following are examples of improper attire and are in violation of the Dress Code when worn in the workplace:

1. Shorts
2. Jogging Suits
3. Tank Tops
4. Logo Tee Shirts
5. Sweatpants
6. Strapless or Spaghetti-Strap blouses
7.  Micro mini skirts
8. Ripped/Torn Jeans
9. Flip Flops

Employees with questions regarding the dress code policy can contact Human Resources at (215)863-EZHR(3947).

Staff Promotions 

Congratulations to all Division of Aviation employees who were promoted in the month of July:

Martisha Stone  — Custodial Work Supervisor 2

Ceola Williams  — Custodial Work Supervisor 2

New Hires 

Welcome all Division of Aviation employees who were hired in the month of July:

Elizabeth Duprey — Airport Communications Operator 1

Lanisha Smart — Custodial Worker 1

Dana Elam — Custodial Worker 1

Kamal Rouse — Custodial Worker 1

Hakeem Pennington — Custodial Worker 1

Raul Werts — Custodial Worker 1

Frencella King — Departmental Payroll Clerk

Megan O'Connell — Director of Marketing & Branding

Ratheesh Gopi — Graduate Electrical Engineer

Michael Luciany — Painter 1

Andre Saunders — Semiskilled Laborer

Chantel Thomas — Custodial Worker 1

Shaleah Taliaferro — Account Clerk

Ekawati Phiong — Accountant Trainee

Alexandra McDowell — Assistant Director of Government Affairs

Jeanine Wing — Custodial Worker 1

Vance Gibson — Custodial Worker 1

Jetta Franklin — Custodial Worker 1

Camille Tomlin — Deputy Chief Technology Officer

Michael Morris — IT Director

Angela Lyles — Semiskilled Laborer

Cierra El — Semiskilled Laborer

Shaneeka Wood — Service Representative

Mariam Sylla — Airport Communications Operator 1

Asmaa Mohammed — Bilingual Receptionist

Finance Department Updates 

• The Office of Business Diversity is now part of the Finance Department, currently reporting to Deatrice Isaac, Deputy of Airport Procurement until the new Deputy Director of Aviation for Diversity and Inclusion is hired.
   
• Shawneese Brown is now managing the Inventory Control Unit, also reporting to Deatrice Isaac.

Engine 78 Hosts Airport Finance Team

On July 12, 13 members of the Division of Aviation’s Finance Department’s Audit, Budget and Purchasing Administration units were treated to a tour of Engine 78 and the Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) Training Center. Deputy Chief Kamau Bright, who delivered an overview of duties and vehicles in the fleet. The group also met Captain Sam Gollapalli and Lieutenant Thomas Walsh and was given an up-close look at Engine 78/Medic 30’s and the ARFF’s equipment and facilities, including the fire rescue vehicle that can triage, treat and stabilize up to 150 people; the area that houses the boats and rafts for water rescues, mannequins used for water rescue training, and gear and lighting; and the ARFF, for a burn demonstration. The tour ended with a “chat & chew” with Engine 78/Medic 30’s firefighters and paramedics (who also prepared the meal).

Acting Budget Officer Shaqunna Duncan and Purchasing Administrative Unit Contract Coordinator Shawneese Brown suggested the tour as a way for the Finance team to meet their colleagues at the ARFF, learn about the services the Fire Department provides to the airport, its employees and guests and gain an understanding of the importance of the purchase requests made for Engine 78. The visit was coordinated by Tasia Carlton and Captain Gollapalli.

What’s at PHL Food & Shops This Month?

August 9th is National Book Lover’s Day.

Stop by one of the shops and use your 10% employee discount to buy something new.   

• Heritage Books B/C Connector  
• Stellar Books D/E Connector  
• Philadelphia Tribune A-East  
• Pennsylvania Market E  
• Hudson News A-West, D/E, E, D, and F  

 National Aviation Day is August 19th- use code FLY5 for $5 off at www.orderatphl.com. 

PHL’s Run the Runway 5K 

Registration is now open for Philadelphia International Airport’s 5th Run the Runway 5K!  

The 5K run/walk will be held on Saturday, September 10, 2022-- we’ll be there rain or shine.  

Here’s what’s unique about this race – it will be a rare opportunity to participate in a race on an active runway, where participants will see aircrafts arriving and departing from PHL up close. Of course, the movement of the flights will occur on separate runways. Participants in the 5K will also see interesting airport equipment and fire apparatus. 

Click here to register and for more information. 

All the proceeds raised by PHL’s Run the Runway will directly support the following local charities:  

• The March of Dimes  
• Eastwick Friends & Neighbors Coalition (EFNC)
• Eastwick United CDC (EU).  

See you on the runway!

The Latest from PHL's Online Newsroom

At the Airport 

PHL Welcome New Wagging Brigade Members 

The Wagging Tails Brigade walks through PHL’s terminals, offering surprise and delightful moments to passengers and employees. Each pet is special in different ways and provide warm comfort to our guests. 

Summer Essentials and Safety Tips 

Since many people are traveling again for the first time since the pandemic – it’s important to remember that PHL has all the essentials you need and may a few items you have forgotten. Read more to find out the best summer travel tips.  

PHL Celebrates Disability Pride Month 

People with disabilities require full access and inclusion at every point of the travel journey to enjoy equitable access to travel. PHL’s ADA foundation is to exceed the ADA standards, ensure full inclusion for people with disabilities, and create programs to ensure that people with disabilities have an equitable experience while traveling through PHL. 

Airlines 

Special Delivery at PHL 

Thousands of pounds of important cargo pass through Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) every day, but perhaps none more special than the more than 200,000 pounds of baby formula UPS transported to PHL from Melbourne, Australia, on July 5. 

Capitol Development  

PHL Remain Overnight Project Recognized 

Aero Aggregates presented the PHL Remain Overnight (RON) Apron team with a plaque for being their largest project to date, utilizing ultra-lightweight foamed glass aggregates (UL-FGA) to divert 85 million glass bottles from landfills.