The City of Philadelphia Department of Aviation received three 2026 Excellence in Airport Marketing, Communications, and Customer Experience Awards from Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA). The Department’s Strategy Team was recognized in the categories of Brand Identity, Partnering with Concessionaires or Service Providers, and Public Relations Programs (Large Airports). The awards were presented at ACI-NA's 2026 Marketing, Communications and Customer Experience Conference, held October 19-21 in Seattle.
A Brand Refresh that Reflects the City’s Energy, Progress and Pride
The Department of Aviation won the Brand Identity Award for its recent Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE) brand refresh. This category recognizes the visible elements of an airport’s brand that work together to identify and distinguish it in the minds of passengers. The PHL and PNE brand refresh launched with a campaign “Good Things Start Here” and reflects Philly pride. The design’s bold colors and iconography reflect the city and how the airports are the launch point for extraordinary journeys and gateways to new experiences.
A Team Effort with Concessionaires to set a Cheesesteak World Record
The Partnering with Concessionaires or Service Providers Award recognized PHL’s and PHL Food & Shops’ collaboration to set a Guiness World Record for the Longest Cheesesteak Line. This category recognizes efforts that demonstrate how airports work with concessionaires for the benefit of the airport, passengers, and the community. The finished line stretched to a record-setting 1,291 cheesesteaks, spanning the length of more than three football fields. All 18 PHL restaurants offering cheesesteaks came together for the attempt and local purveyors contributed key ingredients, demonstrating the passion for the project and the collaboration needed to pull off this achievement. A Guinness World Records adjudicator was on site to verify the final count and confirm the record. Afterward, the cheesesteaks were shared with passengers and staff, including TSA workers.
Public Relations to Show how "It's Our Year to Host the World"
PHL received the Public Relations Programs (Large Airport) Award for its "Our Year to Host the World" campaign. This category recognizes public relations programs designed to improve an airport’s image. The campaign highlighted the airport’s role in welcoming visitors to Philadelphia during a historic year of major events and celebrations such as America 250, FIFA World Cup and MLB, an art exhibit, and so much more. Through strategic communications and community engagement, PHL showcased its community celebrations through PHL WORKS pep rallies, featuring live performances, interactive activities and employee recognition and the program continued season-long. Major campaign touchpoints generated 49 broadcast mentions, a combined audience reach of 4.18 million, and $849,820 in publicity value.
