help make our airports better. This is how we move the DOA forward and accomplish our vision to be a world-class global gateway of choice.  

I’d like to share a video update of our employee engagement program which launched with the employee engagement survey in Fall 2023. 

We are making progress on our top tier enterprise areas of focus, and you can be a part of that.

Communications and Teamwork, we want everyone to know our vision, mission, and values and strategic plan. Look for a flyer with our goals and focus areas to appear on your desks and in your workspaces soon.  

Feedback and Recognition – we’re looking at ways both large and small, to help employees feel valued and appreciated. You can do your part by nominating a fellow worker for the P.R.I.D.E. program.  

Staffing and Coworkers – we are ramping up hiring and recruitment. You can help by sharing opportunities with your personal network.  

Finally, I encourage all units to check in on their team’s action plans. Each team leader should be sharing their progress.  

I am looking forward to meeting with more of you. Thank you for what you do for our airports every day.  

-Atif  

HR Updates

Covid Reminder

COVID-19 exposures and confirmed positive cases must be reported immediately to [email protected] for contact tracing. Employees will be provided direction on leave usage and return to work on a case-by-case basis. The minimum quarantine/isolation for a confirmed positive case is five (5) days followed by five (5) days mandatory masking while working.

CRGs & AEGs

The City of Philadelphia recognizes City Resource Groups (CRGs) as a critical initiative to support the growth and development of a diverse workforce. CRGs are designed to ultimately make the City and DOA more inclusive places to work. Airport Empowerment Groups (AEGs) are intended for the DOA community to promote employee engagement; create networking opportunities to make professional contacts; promote information sharing cross-functionally and organizationally; identify gaps in airport business strategies; support airport initiatives; and strengthen team building and social events.

For questions about CRGs, contact Brenna Schmidt at [email protected]. 
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.

Young Professionals in Business Aviation is an AEG for airport employees who are 40 and under and interested in networking and connecting with other young professionals. In October they had a social event at Nightmare before Tinsel and hosted a "No Tricks, Just Treating" networking event at the DOA on Halloween. YoPro members had a chance to "Treat and Treat" at participating units to learn about how each unit functions.

GoldPros: The GoldPros is an AEG for women over 40 and allies. They meet every second Wednesday of the month from 10-11:30 AM and plan activities such as seeing the movie Wicked in November. Email Shawn Hawes if you are interested in joining.

Women of Color in Aviation and Allies: Women of Color in Aviation + Allies invites you to join us monthly for “an open, respectful, enlightening and inspiring space for everyone!” Words expressed by Wafai Dias, Public Relations Specialist II as the inaugural speaker for our NEW Lessons Learned: DOA Speaker Series!  This series strives to connect women of color in the Department of Aviation across specialties and responsibilities, discuss their journey to their present position, how it differs from other departments or industries, challenges they have overcome throughout their career, how they network and finally any lessons learned while pursuing their careers. 
November Lessons Learned Speaker: Api Appulingam, Chief Development Officer.
November 19, 2024, 10-11:30AM
Location: Terminal E – 3rd Floor Training Room

Women of Color in Aviation has five (5) focus areas: (1) Identify and report on challenges/concerns impacting women of color in the workplace, (2) Prioritize Selfcare, (3) Foster Creativity, (4) Volunteerism, and (5) Build Community through fun!  Partnerships. Purpose. Power.
 

Training Calendar

“Nourish to Flourish” Event and Raffle

On behalf of the Training and Development Unit, we would like to say “Thank you” to everyone who participated in the “Nourish to Flourish” event and raffle! All proceeds from the raffle were donated to the American Cancer Society! 

New Hires 

Welcome to our new hires!

Amir Shaw – Custodial Worker 1

Ahmad Harrison – Custodial Worker 1

Carl Seaborn – Custodial Worker 1

Dorien Foy – Engineering Intern

Khalif Baxter – Semiskilled Laborer (Custodial Unit)

Michael Jones-Oliphant – Custodial Worker 1

Shahiid Harris – Office Clerk 2 (Safety)

Ta-Jou Jen – Geographic Information Systems Specialist 3

Tenia Mathis – Human Resources Professional 1

Learn how the Department of Aviation is responding to your Employee Engagement Survey Feedback. Attendance at one of the upcoming Employee Roadshows is mandatory. Every employee should work with their manager to attend a session. Register here.

• Meet CEO Atif Saeed, Department of Aviation Leaders, and your co-workers 
• Learn more about employee engagement programs 
• Receive PHL SmarterU Certificate for attending! 
• Free Giveaways!

Native American Heritage Month

Racial Equity Advisory Council (REAC) would like to highlight National Native American Heritage Month this November, celebrating the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of Native Americans. This month is an opportunity to honor Indigenous peoples, learn about their history, and support their communities.  Below are a few documentary/ movie suggestions honoring Native American Heritage Month: 

• Lakota Nation vs United States- Available on Amazon
• End of the Line: The Women of Standing Rock- Available on Peacock
• Imagining the Indian: The Fight Against Native American Mascoting- Available on Amazon 

To find out where to explore Indigenous Culture & History in Philadelphia here.

Donations for Veterans 

Accepting items now through November 8

PHL is partnering with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to give back to those who have given so much of themselves by serving our country. The Corporal Michael J. Crescenz campus located at 3900 Woodland Avenue provides primary care and specialty health services to veterans. To celebrate Veterans Day, PHL has agreed to provide in-kind donations for the VA’s canteen to help support veterans and their families. 

The following items are needed: Gift cards (any dollar amount), refreshments, toiletry Items , new clothing, pill boxes, activity books, cash. Check your Oct. 23 Employee Update email or visit Department of Aviation Employee Updates | PHL.org for more details of what you can donate. Items will be accepted through November 8th and delivered to the VA on November 12th.  Please contact Zoraida Antonetty to coordinate pick-up. Items can also be dropped off to Keesha Lane in IP2, office 4410. 

P.R.I.D.E. Awards - Celebrate Excellence and Nominate Your Champions

We are excited to announce that nominations are now open for the 2024 Employee Recognition P.R.I.D.E Awards! This is your opportunity to recognize and celebrate the outstanding contributions of your peers, supervisors,  managers, and workplace champions who embody the core values of our organization.  P.R.I.D.E stands for:  People First, Respect, Integrity, Diversity and Excellence.

New this year, you can submit your nominations either by sending in a paper copy or by completing the online form. Nominations must be submitted by the end of the day on Monday, November 11, 2024. Please return completed forms to [email protected].

Winners will receive an award, ADL, and other recognition gifts. They will also be honored at the annual DOA Employee Awards and Recognition Ceremony on December 11th at 10:30 AM.

Please take a moment to nominate those who you believe truly deserve this recognition. Your participation is crucial in highlighting the exceptional efforts and dedication within our PHL/PNE team. Thank you for your time and contributions. Feel free to reach out to Nya Blackwell with any questions. 

The First Ever Combined Campaign Brotherly Love Blitz is Underway!

The City’s 40th annual combined campaign is underway with a new name: The Brotherly Love Blitz. The City has set a goal of raising $150,000 over the next five weeks for local Philly charities-- just in time for the holiday season.

But that’s not all.  Because the Campaign isn’t just about raising dollars, but also raising awareness and generating engagement, departments (led by their fearless Captains) will be awarded points towards their Combined Campaign efforts and events. The department with the highest number of points at the end of the campaign will win a VIP behind the scenes tour and catered lunch at Lincoln Financial Field for all of the donors from their department.

The Brotherly Love Blitz runs through November 29. For more information, visit the Combined Campaign website or contact DOA Captain Zoraida “Z” Antonetty.

Recycling at International Plaza

The DOA Sustainability team has been working closely with building management in recent months to ensure that recycling is taking place efficiently and effectively at International Plaza.

You may have noticed helpful signs posted around the trash and recycling receptacles around the DOA offices – these contain helpful tips to make recycling simple and easy!  

RECYCLE MORE, RECYCLE RIGHT:

• Please recycle all of your clean paper, cardboard, glass and plastic containers, and aluminum cans, containers and foil.
• Please wash off food and debris and empty liquids prior to recycling.
• All recycling bins are blue and have clear plastic bags (or no bag). Blue bins should not contain any trash. [Please report any blue bins with black bags in them!]
• Let’s keep our recycling stream clean!

Contact Melissa McMullen, our Recycling Coordinator, with any recycling questions or concerns, or to request a blue recycling bin for your office.

PHL Celebrates America Recycles Day

Join the DOA on Thursday November 7, from 9AM-1PM in the B/C Food Court stage area.

• Opening remarks at 11AM: Learn about PHL’s recycling and waste reduction efforts
• Games and prizes focused on reuse, repurposing and recycling
• Exhibitors with great information on recycling, reuse and sustainability strategies for work and home 

Information Security Update

Your Data, Your Rights: Navigating Privacy Laws in the Digital World
Data privacy is more important than ever in today's highly digital aviation industry. From online booking systems to digital passenger records, airlines, airports, and related service providers collect, process, and store a vast amount of personal information. Whether it's flight information, passport data, or travel preferences, passengers entrust aviation companies with sensitive data, and it is crucial to understand the privacy laws that protect it.
Read more here!

PHL Food and Shops

Celebrate Eagles Season with Pepsi 

Join MarketPlace PHL for a Pepsi/Eagles pop-up event in D/E connector (next to the Life Is Good Store) on November 22 from 11AM-2 PM! Enjoy fun activities, refreshing Pepsi, and exclusive Eagles surprises! 

OrderatPHL promo codes for 25% off: 
11/16 National Fast Food Day- Foodday
11/28-29 Thanksgiving- Thanks24
 

Stay in the loop with MarketPlace PHL. Join the employee texting/email program to receive exclusive updates on events and promotions. Text PHLSHOPDINE to 267-550-0996 or subscribe at bit.ly/PHLSHOPDINE

Meet the Property Management & Business Development and the Environmental Services Units 

Property Management & Business Development Unit

The Property Management and Business Development Unit is part of the Commercial Group under Kate Sullivan, Chief Commercial Officer. Jenny Ly is the unit’s property manager.
The unit serves as the landlord for the airports leasing space both in the terminals and the exterior real estate properties. The team manages contracts with private companies or tenants who want to do business at the airport and determines how space will be utilized. They also guide tenants through the real estate process and manage project completion schedules.

Learn more in the Property Management and Business Development Unit presentation
 

Environmental Services Unit

The Environmental Services Unit is part of the Capital Development Group under Api Appulingam, Chief Development Officer. The unit is managed by Trisha Grace, Airport Environmental Services Manager. The unit provides planning and a supportive role to reduce negative impacts on the natural environment, minimize pollution, conserve resources and protect ecosystems. This may include asbestos testing and monitoring, air quality monitoring, spill notification procedures, wetlands delineation, and stormwater permitting. The unit also fulfills reporting requirements with the PA Department of Environmental Protection, the EPA and many other regulatory agencies.

View the Environmental Services Unit presentation 

Follow us on Social Media

Want to learn more about news and events at PHL and PNE? Be sure to follow the airports on social media:

X: @PHLAirport 
Instagram: @phl_airport
Facebook: @PhiladelphiaInternationalAirport
LinkedIn: @phlairport
YouTube: @PHL_airport

The Latest from PHL's Online Newsroom

At the Airport

Department Of Aviation Hosts 12th Business Opportunity Forum

More than 400 representatives from large firms, small businesses, and minority-owned and disadvantaged business enterprises and organizations attended the DOA’s 12th annual Business Opportunity Forum (BOF), “Boarding Pass to 2026 and Beyond,” to close the City’s 40th annual Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week at the Airport Marriott Hotel on October 11. 

Press Releases

Casey, Fetterman, Boyle, Evans, Scanlon, Parker Announce $27.5 Million for Philadelphia International Airport 

U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) and U.S. Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-5), Congressman Dwight Evans (D-PA-3), and Congressman Brendan Boyle (D-PA-2) and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker announced that Philadelphia International Airport is receiving $27,500,000 in new federal infrastructure funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). 

Capital Development

PHL Runway 9R-27L Rehabilitation Project Begins

A pavement rehabilitation project on (PHL's primary runway, Runway 9R-27L, kicked off in mid-September. The project will focus exclusively on the original stretch of runway last rehabilitated in 2010 (excluding the additional 1,500-ft extension added in 2016) and includes resurfacing and renovating the runway's asphalt pavement and base materials. The project’s construction cost is over $23 million, out of which more than $16.3 million is supported by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Improvements Program (AIP) grant that was awarded in August 2024. 

Airlines

Explore Barbados!

This winter, Philadelphians can explore another Caribbean destination with new weekly non-stop service to Bridgetown, Barbados, offered by American Airlines. Every place in Barbados has a story. From the diverse culture to delicious food and fascinating attractions, every day unlocks a new discovery to be found. Located east of the neighboring West Indies Islands, Barbados is home to four main towns: its capital, Bridgetown; Oistins; Holetown; and Speightstown. With its diverse and rich culture that includes West African, Portuguese, Creole, Indian, Irish, British, and more, Barbados celebrates many traditions.     

Visit Guanacaste!

This winter, a new tropical destination awaits Philadelphia International Airport passengers when American Airlines introduces its weekly non-stop service to Guanacaste, Costa Rica, beginning December 7. Philadelphia travelers will be able to fly direct to Liberia Guanacaste Airport (LIR) and explore the Pacific beaches and natural beauty of the region.  

Operations & Security

Staying Ready at PHL: Fire Station Engine 78 Puts New Equipment into Service 

In firefighting, staying up to date with the latest equipment is essential for ensuring safety and efficiency during operations. At Fire Station Engine 78, located at PHL, staff undergo a thorough training process whenever new equipment is introduced. This was the case with the recent acquisition of advanced fire trucks Foxtrot 7 and Foxtrot 10. 

In the Community

PHL Hosts DCCC Students for Airport Trades Tour 

Faculty and students from Delaware County Community College’s Skilled Trades program visited PHL on September 23, for the DOA Community Relations team’s first Trades Tour.

PNE Airport

PNE Administration Building to Undergo Major Green Renovation

PNE is embarking on an ambitious renovation of its administration building located at 9800 Ashton Road. The project received two $1 million Local Share Account (LSA) grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). Bidding opened in September and construction is anticipated to begin in the second quarter of 2025.

Partnering on Safety: PNE Airport Joins Leonardo Helicopters’ Emergency Exercise  

PNE recently participated in an emergency exercise aimed at improving teamwork among key partners, including Leonardo Helicopters US (LHD) and the Philadelphia Fire Department (PFD). This activity was organized by LHD and emphasized the importance of joint training efforts among airport tenants and local emergency services.

People at PHL

PHL Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month - American Airlines Customer Care Manager Jabneel Alvarez  

Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the contributions of Hispanic individuals in the United States of America and society. The DOA recognized and celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month by recognizing people with Hispanic heritage who contribute daily to the airport’s success. Meet American Airlines Customer Care Manager Jabneel Alvarez.