Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) served as the host airport for the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE)/ American Association of Airport Executives-Northeast Chapter (AAAE-NEC) Inclusion in Aviation 2024 conference November 6-8. As host airport, PHL highlighted its ongoing commitment to creating inclusive environments for passengers and employees.
The conference brought together airport executives, industry leaders, and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) experts to discuss ways to improve inclusivity across the aviation sector. PHL’s leadership played a key role in the event. In his opening remarks, CEO Atif Saeed highlighted the importance of having diverse leaders at all levels in the aviation industry and recognizing people’s potential and creating opportunities for everyone. “You can’t bucket anyone’s story into one lane,” he said stated during the “Breaking Barriers: Diversity in Leadership at All Levels” panel. “You have to recognize people with potential and be willing to give them an opportunity.” Another highlight of the event was a panel featuring PHL’s Chief Development Officer Api Appulingam “Creating Inclusive Experiences for Diverse Travelers” session. Appulingam discussed PHL’s commitment to designing an airport experience that is welcoming for all travelers, regardless of background or ability.
“As the CDO, I take pride in designing a more inclusive airport. It is important to educate employees, designers and contractors on the elements to make an airport inclusive and to have stakeholders at the planning table. I encourage us all to make room at our tables.”
Appulingam's words were a call to action for the aviation industry to ensure that inclusivity is not an afterthought but an integral part of airport design and passenger services. Her message emphasized the importance of intentional planning and collaboration to create environments where all individuals feel respected, valued, and empowered.
The three-day conference wrapped-up its final day with sessions that explored current trends in DEO and the changing environment. Donna Jackson Stephans, PHL’s Vice President of DEI, delivered an impactful presentation on how to manage the growing anti-DEI movement, offering six actionable steps for organizations. Harvey Finkel from The Alliance of Therapy Dogs, along with his therapy dog Copper, spoke during “The PHL Experience: How Pets Are Contributing session.” Finkel shared how Copper visits PHL twice a week, providing comfort to travelers and showing how therapy dogs are part of the airport's broader inclusion efforts.
“Inclusion in aviation is critical to our industry, and we thank PHL, our sponsors, our speakers, and our attendees for making the conference such a successful event with robust, thoughtful, and engaging conversations. We look forward to continuing these conversations next year.” says Maria Bremis, Senior Vice President, Compliance, Diversity & HR, AAAE.
