This month, I am looking forward to meeting with our units as part of the Employee Engagement Tour. These meetings are a follow-up to feedback received from last year’s employee survey. Throughout April, I will come to your workplace to share our progress towards making the DOA better for everyone.   

Weather, heavy travel periods and special events can put a strain on our short-staffed frontline teams.  Thanks to all of you for stepping up when asked to keep our airports running 24/7 every day of the year. I know that much of the negative feedback we receive, both internally and publicly, stems from the need to fill staffing roles. 

Our HR team continues its push to fill key positions and following successful recruiting campaigns for custodial roles has now launched a recruitment campaign for others such as HVAC mechanic, building maintenance mechanic, industrial electrician, brick mason and carpenter Civil Service examinations. We are also in need of many other skilled workers. You can help us recruit. Tell your family and friends to email [email protected] for more information and be sure to share our social media posts about our job openings.   

Citywide hiring was a major focus in Mayor Parker’s budget address. It was inspiring to hear the plans to make Philadelphia a safer, cleaner, greener city. We must all be together and have pride in our community and in our work to help Philadelphia and our airports shine – especially as we gear up to host the Nation’s 250^th birthday celebration and other major events.  

Thank you again for everything you do for our airports. I can’t wait to see you this month.  

-Atif 

Help the PHL/PNE Rebranding Initiative: Complete a Short Online Survey by April 5

What makes a great brand? Are there certain brands or logos that you hold in high regard? This is your opportunity to help shape the next generation of PHL and PNE’s brand story. The Marketing & Branding team is working on an exciting re-branding initiative for PHL and PNE and is asking all DOA employees to help by sharing their thoughts and opinions of PHL/PNE brand by completing a brief online survey by Friday, April 5. The survey can be accessed at https://surveys.marconline.com/survey/selfserve/53b/5230450?list=opn&mkt=1

The survey will take about 12 minutes to complete. 

HR Updates 

COVID-19 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. 

PDPH COVID-19 Call Center

Looking for information or resources related to COVID-19? Call the PDPH COVID-19 hotline, Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. to speak with a trained Information Specialist.

Call 215-685-5488 or Email [email protected].

Thank you for your vigilance and continued support in maintaining a safe and healthy workplace.

City Resource Group (CRG) and Airport Empowerment Group (AEG) Meetings

CRGs are designed to ultimately make the City of Philadelphia a more inclusive place to work. All CRGs must align with the three focus areas outlined in the CRG Policy and Procedure Document. These focus areas include:

• Networking: Allowing City employees an opportunity to interact with one another
• Talent Development: Creating opportunities for City employees to provide talent development to members
• Enhance Diversity & Inclusion Strategies and Initiatives: CRGs must produce at least one annual initiative or strategy that focuses on building a more diverse and inclusive City of Philadelphia workforce.

For questions about the City of Philadelphia CRGs, contact Brenna Schmidt at [email protected].

AEGs – 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. 

 In March the YoPros took a swing at TopGolf for an outing. If you have questions or would like to join the young professional group, please reach out to Donna Jackson Stephans or Alec Gever. 

DOA YoPRos: Are you interested in joining the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce YoProGroup? The DOA has a limited number of free memberships available. Most members fall between their mid-20s to mid-30s, but they accept anyone who is a young professional, either in age or in their career.  For more information, please email Tim Smith. 

Training Calendar

Training Overview: Is it possible to feel calmer, sleep better and reduce stress in 60 seconds? Are you aware that stress is affecting your health? This workshop will give you the tools you need to tame your stress and improve the way you feel.

Open to All! No Registration Required! Accept this calendar invite to confirm attendance!

Training Overview: The ability to present an idea clearly, succinctly, and persuasively is essential for career success. The communicating with Impact training session is an interactive session that will empower participants to become stronger and more effective communicators. Jam-packed with powerful content, the seminar will cover the following topics:

• Self-assessment of communication styles and preference
• Common Communication Errors
• Bold Conversations: Assertive and Accountable Communication
• Types of difficult/stressful conversations
• Navigating difficult conversations
• Increasing confidence in communication
• Communicating with RESPECT and power

Open to All! No Registration Required! Accept this calendar invite to confirm attendance!  

Coming in May: AAPI Month

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.  Look in next month's newsletter and for email updates from REAC for exciting events celebrating the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.  

New Hires

Welcome to our March new hires:

Alexander McFarland - Work Study Intern

Dhameer Taylor - Custodial Worker 1

Jordan Prince - Work Study Intern

Kendra Abney - Clerk 3

Labriyah Catlett - Management Trainee

Lateefa Boone - Clerk 3

Mar-lin Minatee - Custodial Worker 1

Peterson Prime - Management Trainee

Suzanne Paul - Administrative Technician
 

Promotions

Congratulations to everyone promoted in the month of March:

Raymond Glass - Custodial Work Supervisor 2

Royal Payton - Custodial Work Crew Chief

TO RECEIVE NOTIFICATION OF EMPLOYEE UPDATES DIRECTLY TO YOUR PHONE, EMAIL [email protected] WITH YOUR EMAIL AND/OR CELL PHONE NUMBER.

Airport Operations Center Open House

Earth Month – Celebrate the Environment this Spring at the Airport

PHL Plane Pull

The Plane Pull is back! Join fellow DOA colleagues in this fun and unique opportunity to pull an airplane while raising vital funds for the families staying at the Ronald McDonald House. This high-adrenaline competition gives organizations from across the Philadelphia area the chance to see who can pull an airplane in the fastest time. Register to join Team PHL! Participants will receive a free t-shirt.  For details, contact Keesha Lane .

May 4, 2024

8 am – 12pm

Atlantic Aviation, 8375 Enterprise Ave, Phila. PA 19153

PHL Food and Shops 

Kick off the month of April with $5 off your OrderAtPHL.com purchase by using code: PHLFools on April Fools Day, April 1. 

In celebration of National Pretzel Day on April 26, receive 25% off your purchase at Pretzel Factory and Auntie Anne's by using code: Twist 24.

Stop by MarketPlacePHL's table at PHL's Earth Day event on April 26 at the B/C Event Stage from 10AM - 2PM

Meet Three More of DOA's Units 

Office of Business Diversity (OBD)

View the DBE ACBDE presentation

The Office of Business Diversity (OBD) is part of the Finance Group with Cobi Duncan, ACDBE Manager and Deneen Wilson, DBE Manager. The Department of Aviation receives US Department of Transportation USDOT funds, therefore we are required to implement a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program and an Airport Concession Disadvantaged (ACDBE) program. These federal requirements support our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The requirements may vary from the City's Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) ordinances for purchases funded by City funds.

Purchasing Administration

View the Purchasing presentation

Led by managers Shawneese Brown and Alec Gever, the Purchasing Administration Unit’s mission is to help all DOA units acquire services, supplies, and equipment. It is part of the Finance group and is broken into three sub-units, the PAU issues Bids or Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and facilitates a fair, competitive purchasing process. It funds contracts through purchase orders and encumbrances and processes contract awards, renewals, and amendments. Its sub-units include: Services, Supplies, and Equipment (SSE), Inventory Control (ICT), and Professional Services and Concessions.

Sustainability

View the Sustainability presentation 

The FAA prioritizes sustainability and focuses on reducing the environmental impacts of aviation activity. The Department of Aviation Sustainabilty Unit is part of the Capital Projects Group and is led by Jessica Noon, Airport Sustainability Manager. The unit leads plans and studies to develop strategies for sustainability; sets goals and tracks progress via data collection and analysis; reviews and leads capital projects; identifies and pursue funding opportunities; collaborates with and support other units on sustainability related efforts; and hosts Earth Day, America Recycles Day and other events.

Follow the Airport on Social Media, Download the Podcast

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

For in-depth interviews about the aviation industry and our airports, download the “Taking Off with PHL” podcast at https://takingoff.podbean.com/.

The Latest from PHL's Online Newsroom

At the Airport

A Wrestling Fan’s Guide to PHL

Headed to Philadelphia for the biggest spectacle of sports entertainment? Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is excited to welcome thousands of fans headed to the city for WWE WrestleMania XL Week, featuring Friday Night Smackdown and WWE Hall of Fame on April 5, NXT Stand & Deliver on April 6, WWE WrestleMania XL on April 6 and 7 and Monday Night Raw on April 8.  

Press Releases

PHL Introduces Tools to Assist International Travelers and Non-English-Speaking Guests

In 2023, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) welcomed 28.1 million travelers, many from around the world. To enhance the travel experience for guests that do not speak English as their primary language, PHL is introducing two tools to assist passengers as they navigate the airport.

City of Philadelphia Department of Aviation Announces Promotions to Leadership and Other Top Roles

PHILADELPHIA – The City of Philadelphia Department of Aviation, operator of Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE), has announced the promotion of Api Appulingam to its leadership team and promotions and new appointments for several other top roles. 

In the Community

PHL and Frontier Give Students a Course in Flying 101

On Wednesday, February 21, the Department of Aviation partnered with Frontier Airlines to host students from Belmont Charter High School and the organization From Single Mom to CEO for a comprehensive flying experience – complete with mock boarding passes, a trip through TSA, a surprise greeting from Frontier’s mascot, Grizz, and even getting to board an actual plane. 

Sustainability

PHL and Southwest Collaborate on Ground Support Equipment Electrification Project

The Philadelphia Department of Aviation has collaborated with Southwest Airlines® to electrify part of their entire ground support equipment (GSE) fleet at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). 

People at PHL

Api Appulingam Becomes DOA's First Chief Development Officer

Api Appulingam, P.E., A.A.E., has been promoted to Chief Development Officer to lead the multi-billion-dollar Capital Development Program (CDP) for Philadelphia International (PHL) and Northeast Philadelphia Airports (PNE).  

Milaris Florian Named Department of Aviation Director of Safety Management Systems

Milaris Florian has been appointed as Director of Safety Management Systems (SMS) for the City of Philadelphia's Department of Aviation. She's been in the aviation industry for nearly ten years and was employed at Newark International (EWR), Wilmington (ILG) and Patrick Leahy Burlington International (BTV) Airports. Her background includes a deep understanding of security, safety, and airport operations.

PHL Impression Makers: TSA Supervisor Matthew Lasecki

TSA Supervisor Matthew Lasecki recently received the “Impression Makers” award from Philadelphia International Airport’s (PHL) Employee Recognition Program. This award recognizes customer-facing employees who provide direct customer service to passengers."

PHL Impression Makers: Traveler’s Aid International Information Assistant Kennia Gonzalez-Marrabal

Traveler’s Aid International Information Assistant Kennia Gonzalez-Marrabal recently received the “Impression Makers” award from Philadelphia International Airport’s (PHL) Employee Recognition Program. This award recognizes customer-facing employees who provide direct customer service to passengers. 

Women’s History Month: Senior Manager of Inflight Operations American Airlines Naomi Van Winkle

Women’s History Month recognizes the contributions of women in the United States, both past and present, who have strived for equal rights. The City of Philadelphia Department of Aviation honored the women in senior leadership who contribute to the success of Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and its partners. PHL recognized Naomi Van Winkle, senior manager of inflight operations at American Airlines.  

Women's History Month Artist Profile: Eurhi Jones

For Women’s History Month, the City of Philadelphia Department of Aviation highlighted women artists whose artwork has been featured at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).  

Eurhi Jones is a community muralist and multimedia artist who primarily makes public art related to the natural environment. Born in Swarthmore, PA, Jones noticed her love for art at a very young age.  From her mother’s love for shapes and colors, Jones developed a drive and sense of the visual world.