March 2024 Newsletter
Atif Saeed

Hi Team PHL and PNE, 
We are just nearing the end of the first quarter of 2024, and it has already been an eventful year for the Department of Aviation. 
We recently received our passenger totals for 2023.  PHL welcomed 28.1 million guests during the last calendar year—this is 12.6 percent higher than our total for 2022.  This total includes more than 24.5 million domestic passengers and 3.6 international passengers.  While we are still roughly 15 percent below our pre-pandemic volume

 record, we are moving in the right direction. With American’s new international routes to Copenhagen, Naples, Nice and Barbados coming later this year, and special events like WrestleMania coming to Philadelphia, we anticipate 2024’s numbers will be even higher. 

PNE also had an exceptional 2023 and is now the busiest general aviation airport in Pennsylvania, and the third busiest airport in the Commonwealth. PNE had 114,674 plane movements last year, a 19.5 percent increase over 2022. Congratulations to John Brewer and the PNE team on this accomplishment and the work they do for our tenants every day of the year.

Speaking of service additions, in February, Frontier Airlines CEO Barry Biffle visited PHL for a press conference to announce 10 new domestic routes Frontier will serve from PHL beginning this summer: Knoxville, Portland, Milwaukee, Detroit, Chicago (O’Hare), Indianapolis, Columbus, St. Louis, Kansas City and Pensacola.  In addition to Pittsburgh and Minneapolis- which were announced in December and January- Frontier will serve a total of 39 destinations from PHL and operate an average 44 daily departures this summer, an increase of 47 percent from 2023. This is great news for local residents and those interested in visiting or doing business in our region.   

We ended February on a high note, welcoming Mayor Cherelle Parker, Senator Bob Casey, and Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon to announce $20.4 million in funding for phase two of PHL’s Terminal Energy Optimization Program (TEOP). The funding is from the FAA’s Airport Terminal Grant Program (ATP), which was created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021.  Since the ATP was established, the DOA has received $39 million for our Restroom Renovations Program and $35.4 million for TEOP.  These awards are important as we prepare our facilities to welcome the millions of visitors that will travel to Philadelphia not only for the events of 2026, but for many years to come. 

I’m looking forward to your help in keeping this momentum of the winter going for the rest of the year. Thank you for what you do for our airports every day. 
-Atif


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


About CRGs

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

YOPRO in light blue and dark blue with pho/pne logo on top and Young Professionals in Business Aviation underneath

February marked the first anniversary of PHL's YoPro group, which is for employees under age 40 in professional, paraprofessional and select clerical positions. Throughout the year they spent time chatting with Chiefs, networking, and even managed to create a logo. Keep an eye out for what's to come in year number two! If you have questions or would like to join, 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

 

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

 

Welcome to our New Hires

Ameer Brown – Custodial Worker 1

Artur Workstus – Work Study Intern

Burton Cureton – Custodial Worker 1

Christopher Hirokawa – Assistant City Solicitor

David Rogers Jr – Custodial Worker 1

Jose Perez – Work Study Intern

Rewa Sutherlin – Departmental Payroll Supervisor

Shontel Horne – Advertising and Promotions Specialist

Terry Palmer – Custodial Worker 1

TyShawn Myers-Thomas – Custodial Worker 1

Congratulations to Recently Promoted Staff

Xiao (Lucy) Lin – Staff Engineer 1


InfoSec Update

As we embark on another month of exploration and adventure, it’s crucial to stay informed about the cybersecurity landscape, especially for those of us constantly on the move. In this edition, we’re thrilled to introduce a significant new addition to our cybersecurity team and share essential tips to keep your digital life secure while traveling.

Welcome to the New CISO

We are excited to announce that Dr. Jamaine Mungo has joined our team as the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). Jamaine brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in cybersecurity, having held several key positions where he was instrumental in fortifying digital defenses and fostering a culture of security awareness. 

Jamaine’s leadership philosophy is deeply inspired by a favorite quote from Martin Luther King Jr.: “If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving.” This mindset reflects his approach to cybersecurity—constantly advancing, no matter the obstacles, to protect our digital landscapes. As we welcome Jamaine to our team, we’re reminded of the importance of perseverance and progress in our cybersecurity efforts. His expertise and leadership will undoubtedly strengthen our defenses and inspire us to keep moving forward, regardless of the challenges we face.

Cybersecurity Tips for Travelers

Cybersecurity tips to travel safe

  1. Use Secure Wi-Fi Connections: Always ensure you’re connecting to secure, password-protected Wi-Fi networks. Avoid public Wi-Fi in airports, cafes, and hotels, where hackers often lurk.
  2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): 2FA adds an extra layer of security to your accounts, making it harder for unauthorized users to gain access.
  3. Update Your Devices: Before you travel, make sure all your devices are updated with the latest security patches and software updates.
  4. Be Cautious of Public Charging Stations: Cybercriminals can use USB charging stations to deliver malware to your device. Consider using a portable charger instead.
  5. Secure Your Online Transactions: Use a VPN when conducting online transactions to encrypt your internet connection and protect your data from prying eyes.

Stay safe and secure in your travels, and remember, cybersecurity is a journey, not a destination. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Safe travels,

Your Info Sec Gurus 


PHL Plane Pull

People pulling a plane

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 Celebrates Cheesesteak Week

PHL Cheesesteak week sign with DJ with Pepsi gear on

PHL Food & Shops will be celebrate their annual Cheesesteak Week March 18-22. Stay tuned for details!

 

To sign up for employee discounts, text PHLSHOPDINE to 267-550-0996. 


Meet Three More DOA Units

The Accounting Unit

View the presentation

The accounting unit is led by Controller Michael Meyers and is part of the DOA’s Finance Department. The team is split into two sections: Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable.  Their main responsibilities are to ensure that vendors are paid for their services in a timely fashion, to collect revenue due DOA, and to prepare reporting records through series of steps that provide the financial activity, performance, and position of the airports.  

The Budget Unit

View the presentation

The Budget Unit is led by Shaqunna Duncan, Budget Officer II. The Budget Unit manages the Aviation Department’s multiple operating budgets such as: The Mayor’s Budget (City Budget), The Rates and Charges Budget (Airline/Airport Budget), and The Operating Budget (DOA Units Budgets). With varying classes and budget types, the budget cycle is implemented to support Unit Budget Requests. The budget is approved after hearings by City Council. Meetings are then held with the airlines to agree on funding for the next fiscal year.

The Capital Finance and Treasury Unit

View the presentation 

Led by Christina Saggiomo, Treasury Manager, the Capital Finance and Treasury Unit works to help finance capital projects and manage the investments and grants that DOA uses to finance those projects. Capital projects are different than day-to-day operating expenses. They are assets that have long and useful lives and typically take years to build, for example:  Airfield, terminal, security, technology, and landside buildings and improvements. The Treasury unit serves four main functions: Debt Management, Cash & Investment Management, Grants Administration & Capital Program Finance Administration.


Follow the Airport on Social Media, Download the Podcast

social media logos

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

Taking Off at with PHL with plane icon

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

Press Releases 

The DOA announced recent promotions to top leadership roles. 

The promotions include: Api Appulingam, P.E., A.A.E., has been promoted to Chief Development Officer; Mike Morris, Vice President of IT Client Engagement; Keesha Lane, Director of Community Engagement and Outreach; and Milaris Florian, Director of Safety Management Systems (SMS).
 

Casey, Fetterman, Boyle, Evans, Scanlon, Parker Announce $20.4 Million for Philadelphia International Airport 

airport terminal program funded by the bipartisan infrastructure law

U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) and U.S. Representatives Brendan Boyle (D-PA-2), Dwight Evans (D-PA-3), and Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-5) and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker announced that PHL is receiving $20,400,000 in new infrastructure funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Airport Terminal Program, created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. 

PHL Welcomed 28.1 Million Passengers in 2023; PNE Ranked Busiest General Aviation Airport in Pennsylvania 

The year-end totals are in and the DOA reports growth at both of Philadelphia’s airports, PHL and PNE.  PHL welcomed more than 28.1 million passengers during calendar year 2023 -- an increase of 12.6 percent over 2022. PNE became the busiest general aviation airport in Pennsylvania and the third busiest airport in the Commonwealth in 2023.

Airlines 

Frontier Airlines Adds Another 10 Destinations from PHL; Summer Daily Departures to Increase 47% Versus a Year Ago 

frontier plane at gate

Ultra-low fare carrier Frontier Airlines (NASDAQ: ULCC) will begin nonstop service from PHL to 10 new destinations in May of 2024. The new routes are in addition to service to Minneapolis, announced in late Jan. With the new routes, Frontier will serve a total of 39 destinations from PHL and operate an average 44 daily departures this summer, an increase of 47 percent versus the year prior. 

Capital Development 

New Rebuilt Restroom Opens in Terminal A-West 

A-west bathroom signs

On February 6, PHL opened a new rebuilt restroom set in terminal A-West, the latest milestone in the Department of Aviation’s Restroom Renovation Program. This upgraded amenity marks the closeout of Phase Four of the program, which includes upgrades to five existing restrooms across PHL's terminals.

At the Airport

Change Your Altitude: Airport Construction Workshop 

people networking

The DOA recently hosted the “Change Your Altitude: Airport Construction Workshop” for contractors and subcontractors. Attendees learned about the range of construction opportunities at PHL and PNE, how to identify upcoming bids, tips for success at the airport for construction contractors, and diversity goals. 

 
Ridley Middle School Students' Art on Exhibit at PHL 

The artwork of sixth grade students from Ridley Middle School in Ridley Park, PA is now on view in the Youth Art Gallery at PHL's A-East Baggage Claim. The gallery is located in the public area of the airport for the students and their families to visit. 

 

Northeast Philadelphia Airport 

Winter at PNE: Preparing for Snowstorms 

Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE) is Pennsylvania's busiest general aviation airport, handling an average of 319 aircraft movements (takeoffs and landings) per day. Since 120 based aircraft and several commercial tenants call PNE home as well as the daily transient users, it is imperative to keep the airport open during winter snow and ice events. 

 

People at PHL 

PHL Black History Month Profile - Frontier Airlines Inflight Regional Manager Shelly-Ann Cawley 

As an Inflight Regional Manager for Frontier Airlines, Shelly-Ann Cawley’s responsibilities include managing flight attendants and their supervisors. She travels to other Frontier crew bases, coaching, supporting, and developing her airline’s staff. Her main goal is to ensure a smooth operation with flights departing on time. Cawley has over 20 years of experience working for airlines and other companies. 

 

 

 

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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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