January 2026 Newsletter

 

Happy New Year!

2026 is finally here and it will be epic as Philly plays a central role in America’s 250th birthday celebration and hosts many exciting sporting events. PHL and PNE will be ready with airport upgrades, exciting offerings and our stellar, award-winning guest experience!

We're taking steps to ensure everyone is safe. You may recall the human trafficking video you watched as part of your SIDA badge training. Large events can attract more trafficking activity. To help prevent it, we’re launching an important airport-wide initiative to prevent Human Trafficking on Friday, January 9, with a press event in PHL’s International Arrivals Hall (Terminal A-West) at 10:30 a.m. We want to make sure potential victims can get help; all employees are on the look-out; and everyone knows how to report suspicious activity.

We’re also focused on improving our workplace. Thank you to all who shared their feedback in the employee engagement survey. FlexSurveys is compiling the results and we will report the findings for the Department’s overall and the individual unit in early February. From there, we’ll shape new action plans.

We’re making progress. We’re trying new things. It's going to be a great year because good things start here!  

 

 

what's new and what's next

Atif holding award. Standing next to Api
Airport CEO Atif Saeed Receives 2025 WTS Philadelphia Man of the Year Award 

CEO Atif Saeed received the 2025 WTS Philadelphia Man of the Year Award for advancing women in transportation and inspiring future aviation leaders. 

read more

Good things start at PHL in 2026

Big things are coming to Philadelphia in 2026, and it’s going to be an exciting year at PHL. With events like America’s 250th birthday, the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, PGA Championship, FIFA World Cup, and MLB All-Star Game all happening in the city, travelers from around the world will be passing through.

read more

group of students standing in front of wall that says Philadelphia freedom 250
AAAE cohort group photo
AAAE Employee Class Achieves 73% Pass Rate

We're excited to announce that our American Association of Airport Executives Certified Member Cohort achieved an impressive 73 percent passing rate. Earning a C.M. signifies that you have a diverse knowledge of the primary functions of how an airport operates. Thank you to our Knowledge Navigators, study group leaders, supervisors, and Training and Development team for creating a supportive learning environment.

PHL WORKS Earns ACI-NA Award

The PHL WORKS program received the Airports Council International–North America (ACI-NA)’s “Customer Service Through People” award at its Annual Marketing and Communications Conference. Congratulations to the Guest Experience team on this industry recognition!

read more

Leah and heather accepting award
onsite news storefront with pilot walking past
Onsite Travel Essentials

PHL Food & Shops has opened Onsite Travel Essentials in the connector between Terminals B and C, marking the first expansion of the Onsite Retailers travel essentials brand within PHL since 2022. 

 

the connection hub

Airport Empowerment Groups

Meet other co-workers and engage in new activities. If you are interested in participating or leading an AEG at PHL/PNE, email your idea(s) to [email protected]


GoldPros (Resources and encouragement for women over 40):

Upcoming events: 
Vision Boards and Journals for 2026
Date: Wednesday, 1/14/2025 at 10 am, Location: tbd
Galentine's Celebration 2026:
Date: Wednesday, 2/11/2026 at 10 am
For information on upcoming GoldPros events and to join, email [email protected].


PHLight Club (For men over 40 and allies)

Learn how to play chess on Tuesday, January 13, from 3–4 p.m. in the Fishbowl. Everyone’s welcome! The PHLight Club meets the last Thursday of every month. For more information or to join, contact [email protected].


Young Professionals in Business Aviation (YoPros)

YoPros are employees 40 and under interested in networking and connecting with other young professionals. Co-chairs are Amy Liu from Capital Development and Latia White from HR/Training. To join or submit ideas, email [email protected] or [email protected].


Women of Color in Aviation and Allies

Connection, empowerment, and collaboration-- members share experiences, ideas, and support one another. If you have questions or topics you would like to explore, contact [email protected].

 

team growth

New Hires

Bryce Kent — Work Study Intern
Masada Lenair — Facilities Care Worker
Nathaniel Whitaker — Work Study Intern

 

train for tomorrow

Training - Leadership Unlocked, LinkedIn Learning, Deferred Comp

Calming Anxiety

January 7, 12-1 pm

UPENN EAP will present Calming Anxiety in IP2, 4th Floor, Room 4505, with an MS Teams option available.  


Project Leadership Unlocked: Leading Projects with Purpose, Precision, and Power  
(3 sessions)

January 7, 13, and 15

Project success isn’t just about timelines and task lists—it’s about LEADING. Project Leadership Unlocked is a practical three-part series that empowers professionals to lead projects with vision, focus, and follow-through, even if "Project Manager" isn’t in their job title. Participants will learn how to think strategically, communicate clearly, and drive results from planning to completion. 

register


LinkedIn Learning Access for All Employees

Introducing LinkedIn Learning: Your New Path to Growth 🌱 Starts Now! 
We’re excited to announce that select City employees have been invited to activate their LinkedIn Learning accounts—fully funded and giving you unlimited access to 23,000+ expert-led courses. Check your email for your invitation and activate within 30 days to start learning anytime, anywhere. Unlock new skills, earn certificates, and invest in you—with support from the Office of Talent & Employee Success and the Department of Aviation. For more information or questions, contact [email protected]


Microsoft Word 1

January 14

Typically covers a range of topics designed to enhance users’ proficiency with the software. Course may vary in depth and complexity catering to beginners and more advanced users looking to refine their skills. 

register


Deferred Compensation Seminar

January 15, 2- 3 pm

Phlight Club and Allies will host Christina Gibson from Nationwide for a Deferred Compensation seminar in IP1, 3rd Floor. 


Microsoft Word 2

January 28

An intermediate-level course designed for users who have a basic understanding of Microsoft Word and wish to enhance their skills. This course will cover advanced features and functionalities that will enable participants to create professional documents with efficiency and precision. 

register

New Employee Orientation

January 5 and 6

New Employee Orientation will be held for two days for administrative staff (non-shift workers). New employees will also have the opportunity to tour the airport and complete PHL WORKS training. Notifications to new employees will be communicated by HR and Training and Development.

 

staff superstars

Monique Glinton - Custodial Crew Chief
Monique holding certificate with co-workers

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Monique Glinton, DOA Custodial Crew Chief, received PHL’s “Teamwork Makes the Dream Work” award for her hands-on leadership, strong communication, and commitment to supporting and uplifting her team. 

read more

Evelyn Gourley - Customer Care Representative
Evelyn standing with coworkers while holding certificate

Caring Support

Evelyn Gourley, DOA Customer Care Representative, received PHL’s “Caring Support” award for her compassion, positivity, and dedication to ensuring passengers feel supported throughout their travel experience. 

read more

Touree Johnson - Custodial Worker II
Touree posing with coworkers while holding certificate

Impression Makers

DOA Custodial Worker II Touree Johnson received PHL’s “Impression Makers” award for going above and beyond in customer service, demonstrating kindness, patience, and care for passengers every day. 

read more

Ibrahim Rihane - Sales Associate
Ibrahim with coworkers holding certificate

Unsung Heros

Dunkin’ Donuts/Hudson Sales Associate Ibrahim Rihane received PHL’s “Unsung Heroes” award for his exceptional customer service, teamwork, and integrity, including reuniting an international passenger with a lost wallet. 

read more

 

social buzz

 

tech tips

IT - PHL Chat (AI Tool), Tech Tip, Windows 11 Update

Introducing PHL Chat – Our New DOA-Approved AI Tool

We are excited to announce the soft launch of PHL Chat, now accessible to all staff with a @phl.org email account. PHL Chat is the only DOA-approved AI tool, built on ChatGPT with safeguards in place to keep DOA data secure. Please remember that while AI can be helpful, it may produce inaccurate information—always review and fact-check outputs.


Monthly Tech Tip: Keep Your Laptop Up-to-Date

As we start the new year, please take a moment to ensure your laptop is up to date. If you haven’t powered it on in a while, turn it on and allow it to reconnect to the network. Once connected, check for any pending updates so your device stays secure and runs smoothly.
If you need assistance, stop by Quick Fix Thursday during our walk-up hours-we’re here to help!

Quick Fix Thursday Hours: 

  • Extended: January 15, 2026, | 10 am -1 pm
  • Regular: Every Thursday | 11 am -12 pm
    Location: Helpdesk – IP2, 2nd Floor
    No appointment needed just stop by!
     

Completed Projects

Maximo MAS Upgrade
The Maximo system has been upgraded to the latest version, MAS 9.x, which includes an updated user interface and AI capabilities. SuiteReq has retired. Any tweaks to the Job Control data entry screen will be completed as a separate activity.

Windows 11 Deployment
IT successfully deployed Windows 11 across the organization, upgrading 800+ devices. The project achieved seamless integration with existing IT infrastructure and applications while enhancing security with Windows 11's built-in features. The Systems and Help Desk teams addressed challenges such as outdated hardware, obsolete camera drivers, and devices not connected to the network.

Tip: Have a project request submit it here IT Service Catalog.


IT FAQ Sheet -Your Go-To Resource for Quick IT Answers

Got questions about IT support, accounts, Wi-Fi, email, hardware, or security? Our IT FAQ Sheet has you covered! It includes step-by-step guidance for:

  • Contacting the Helpdesk & submitting tickets
  • Resetting passwords and setting up Multi-Factor Authentication
  • Connecting to office Wi-Fi and troubleshooting devices
  • Recognizing phishing emails and following IT security policies
  • Requesting hardware, approved software, and managing email settings
  • Printing and office equipment support
  • Save time and solve common IT issues quickly; before submitting a ticket

Access the FAQ here: IT FAQ Sheet

InfoSec - New Year, New Scam

Goodbye 2025 and hello 2026! As we welcome a new year, we carry forward the achievements earned from the past while embracing the future with gratitude. To all of those who have continued to do their part in helping us protect PHL and PNE, thank you! 

read more
 

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Media Contacts

Christine Ottow
Director of Strategic Communications
267-760-3931
[email protected]
Heather Redfern
Public Affairs Manager
215-600-6105
[email protected]

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