Wilds and the HR staff for their hard work in making this happen.  

The HR Team worked for this salary increase to help attract more employees for key positions at the airports. Being a part of our team is more demanding than similar jobs in other City departments, specifically because of the background check and badging process. Recruiting and retaining employees has been difficult. Since 2020, we have lost hundreds of staff members, many through retirement, leaving Philadelphia or moving on to other career options. Many of the employees that moved on from the airports were frontline staff- custodial, facilities and operations team members that are critical to the day-to-day functionality of PHL and PNE.  

Hiring employees has been a well-documented post-pandemic challenge for industries and organizations around the world. Our Human Resources Department has worked tirelessly to recruit, onboard and retain new staff by attending job fairs and career day events across the City, advertising on social media and conducting interviews at a variety of hours to accommodate shift workers. While these efforts have produced some strong candidates, we still have many key vacancies.    

We are less than three years away from 2026 and the major events our city will be hosting. It is imperative that we bring staff on now to be ready for the influx of passengers we will see in the coming years. We need to be ready to shine when the national and global spotlight is on our airports.  

One of the areas where we have difficulty hiring is custodial. This is not only one of the hardest working teams at the airports, it is also one of our most important. The first impression many of our guests have of our city is what they see at the airport.  A clean facility with friendly, welcoming faces lets passengers know that we care about them and makes them more likely to make PHL their airport of choice.  

On September 18, the City’s Office of Human Resources will begin accepting applications for the new custodial examination. Please share this news with family and friends who are looking for jobs. We want an overwhelming response to this opportunity.  

Being short staffed is difficult for everyone. Thank you all for what you do for the airports every day.  

Regards,

Atif 

HR Updates

COVID-19 Reminder

News of the Omicron EG.G variant, aka “Eris” which has become the latest dominant circulating variant in a recent surge of COVID-19 cases in the U.S., has heightened concern about current COVID-19 protocols and preventive measures. So far, there has been no change in the CDC guidance or the City of Philadelphia’s COVID-19 protocols. The current policy statement, last updated May 2023 is available for review. 

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 (5) days followed by (5) days mandatory masking while working. 

• Continue to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms, cough, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, fatigue, headache, muscle aches and altered sense of smell 
• Employees should stay home when sick or work remotely if possible 
• Employees experiencing sinus/allergy symptoms should wear masks while working with others and test to confirm a negative COVID-19 status. 
• Employees should avoid close contact, confined or closed spaces and crowded places. 
• Employees should continue practicing hand hygiene and disinfecting common use, frequently touched areas.  

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

SIDA Credential Pay Increases 

The Department of Aviation is excited to announce a newly established SIDA Credential Pay, effective July 1, 2023 for DOA Civil service employees. The pay differential serves to recognize the heightened federal security clearance required by employees and aid in attracting talent to support our operations.  The Department of Aviation will increase wages for DOA employees who obtain and maintain the SIDA credential as follows:

1. DC 33 employees will be compensated at two (2) pay ranges higher than the pay range assigned to their job class specification.

2. DC 47 employees will be compensated at one (1) pay range higher than the pay range assigned to their job class specification.

3. Non-Represented employees will be compensated at one (1) pay range higher than the pay range assigned to their job class specification.

Current employees will be compensated under SIDA Credential retroactively.  More information on the timeframe for retroactive payments will be shared when it becomes available.

To view the SIDA Credential Pay Differential, Civil Service Regulation 6.14.65 – “Airport Employees Required To Obtain Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) Clearance” in its entirety please visit: https://www.phila.gov/publications/civil-service-regulations/#/

Training Calendar 

Training provided by the City of Philadelphia 

PHL WELL is back in action with our first program challenge! 

“Couch to PHL 5K Walk” 5 Week program

Participating in a 5K walk can seem scary, especially if you feel out of shape or unfit. DOA’s Couch to 5K Walk program is for beginners and aims to help you gradually work towards walking 5k in just five weeks.  We’ll meet up once a week to walk and share resources to help you prepare for the PHL 5k on September 23. 

To following along, use the Couch to 5k Plan Map  and listen to the five-week podcast  to help guide you through the weekly Couch to 5K action goals. Register by emailing [email protected] as soon as possible and request to be a part of our “Coach to Walk PHL 5K” team!   

PHL WELLness workshops we'll be sending invites to your inboxes for over the next few months for incoming challenges and events. If you have any WELLness workshop ideas please don't hesitate to email them to us at [email protected]. 

BROWN BAG workshops

No registration is required. Simply accept the DOA calendar invite when you receive it and you're all set! Zoom login information will be included within the invites coming for the below Brown Bag Workshop.     

Penn Medicine | Mental Health Series   

Thank you for your participation and ongoing support of the PHL WELL Program! 

Financial Monthly Challenge Alert

PHL WELL is inviting everyone to participate in our 1st monthly $$$ MONEY MADNESS CHALLENGE of the season. The first challenge will run from Monday, September 18-Friday, September 22, 2023. We are cheering you on to kick-off the challenge individually on Monday, September 18, 2023 using this $$$ Money Madness Savings Card, as your guide to achieve each financial daily challenge goal. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Challenge Goal: These daily challenges will help us to redefine how we think about our money and the influences on how we save, spend, and manage our debt.  

THIS CHALLENGE IS OPEN TO ALL!! If you are interested in participating, follow the daily challenges and accept the calendar invite that will go out to all DOA staff to attend our “Money Mindset” challenge check-in on Friday, September 22nd, 2023 at noon.  

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

 CRGs

• AAPI: Meets on the last Thursday of every month. 
• Latindad: Meets on the fourth Thursday of every month.  
• LGBTQ+: Meets on the third Wednesday of every month.  
• New and Expecting Parents: Meets on the second Friday of each month.  
• Women of Color: Meets on the last Friday of each month.  

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

AEGs 

The Airport's Young Professionals Empowerment Group is a great way for employees age 40 and under to network with one another and get to know our organization better. 

The YoPros welcomed CAO Delicsha Wilds at their monthly meeting, where she shared her career journey and gave advice on advancing one's goals. Chief Financial Officer, Tracy Borda will speak at the September meeting. On August 9, the YoPros held their fourth social event at Cira Green in Center City.

Don't miss out on our next scheduled event:

• September 8: Phillies game at Citizens Bank Park
• Positano Coast in Center City: TBD

If you have questions or would like to join the YoPros, please reach out to Stacey Lennon or Alec Gever.

The next YoPros meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 27 at noon. Email [email protected] for calendar invites.  

ABOUT CRGs & AEGs: Employee Resource groups are designed to ultimately make the City of Philadelphia and DOA more inclusive places to work. Focus areas include networking, talent development and enhancing diversity and inclusion strategies and initiatives. 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. 

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

Staff Promotions

Congratulations to Daniel Spencer for being promoted to Painting Group Leader

New Hires

Welcome to our new hires:

Aidan Marshall, IT Intern

Christaina Saint Jour, Airport Communications Operator 1

Daniel Schlossberg, Airport Operations Trainee

Jalen Dangerfield, Airport Operations Trainee

Joel Zran, Contract Auditor Trainee

Kimberly Amoussa, Airport Operations Trainee

Kyle Sundin, Director of Commercial Parking & Ground Transportation

Mayra Morales, Airport Communications Operator 1

Michael Tarrant, Information Management Analyst 2

Morgan Rock, Airport Communications Operator 1

Register for PHL's 5K on the Runway Run/Walk

Registration is Open!

Prepare for takeoff with the PHL's 6th 5K on the Runway on Saturday, September 23 supporting local charities!



Participants will experience running on an active runway used by commercial aircraft.



While piloting your way through the course, runners will be able to see the airport up close and personal with a full view of commercial and general aviation aircraft taking off and landing.

Airport equipment, such as fire apparatus, various snow removal equipment, and airline ground support equipment will be displayed along the course.



In addition to supporting the March of Dimes, Eastwick Friends & Neighbors Coalition, and Eastwick United CDC, participants will receive a moisture wicking PHL5K shirt, post nutrition food and beverages.

Make sure to stay for the awards ceremony!



New this year! The March of Dimes will feature a "Crawl the Runway" kid zone, including a miniature runway play area for kids attending the event. This area will bring the feel of the airfield race to your little ones and makes for a great photo op!

It may be too late to guarantee a race shirt, but the last day to register is September 17.

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/. Recent episodes include features on sustainability and air service development at PHL

The Latest from PHL's Online Newsroom

At the Airport 

Summer Interns Share What They Learned at PHL 

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) was thrilled to have the full return its intern program this year. This summer, 17 students from area high schools, community colleges and universities took on full-time roles at PHL in different departments. 

Capital Development 

Aviation Week 2023: A Look at PHL Through the Years 

In honor of Aviation Week, we reflect on the astounding growth of PHL. From its modest inception on a 125-acre plot in 1925, PHL has expanded to an impressive 2,598 acres — a staggering 2,078% growth. This transformation underscores the airport's unwavering commitment to progress and operational excellence. 

Airlines

American Airlines Adds Three New International Routes, Brings Back Domestic Destination at PHL: Nonstop Flights to Nice, Naples, Copenhagen and San Antonio Takeoff in Summer 2024 

It’s never too early to plan next year’s summer vacation. Just announced destinations on American Airlines’ Philadelphia International Airport PHL summer 2024 roster will make passengers want to pack their bags now. 

Operations & Security 

PHL Launches Alternative Response Unit Pilot 

The Philadelphia Fire Department’s newest Alternative Response Unit – known as AR30 – recently went into service at PHL. This pilot program stations emergency medical personnel in the airport terminal to provide a quick response to passengers and employees who need immediate medical attention. 

Northeast Philadelphia Airport 

AIM Offers Aircraft Mechanics Certificate Opportunities at PNE Campus 

Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) is training the future aviation maintenance workforce at its 14 campuses throughout the country, including a campus located at PNE.  The AIM Philadelphia campus specializes in training aircraft mechanics and offers two programs - Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) and Aviation Maintenance Technician: Avionics (AMTA). 

People at PHL

PHL Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Department of Aviation Custodial Worker II Michelle Gilchrist 

Department of Aviation Custodial Worker II Michelle Gilchrist recently received the “Teamwork Makes the Dream Work” category of Philadelphia International Airport’s (PHL) Employee Recognition Program. This distinction acknowledges employees who create a positive guest experience through service and delivery while collaborating with other organizations.  

PHL CAO Delicsha Wilds Honored with PBJ Diversity in Business Award 

Congratulations to Chief Administrative Officer Delicsha Wilds, who was selected as one of Philadelphia Business Journal’s Diversity in Business Award winners for her ongoing commitment to diversity at the Department of Aviation and the City of Philadelphia. 

PHL Caring Support: Prospect Airport Services’ Wheelchair Assistance Provider Ahmed Kargbo

Prospect Airport Services Wheelchair Assistance Provider Ahmed Kargbo recently received the “Caring Support” award from PHL's Employee Recognition Program. This award recognizes employees who provide exceptional care and services to seniors, families with young children, disabled passengers, and others with special needs.    

PHL Impression Makers: Traveler’s Aid Customer Service Supervisor Uyai Esset 

Travelers Aid Customer Service Supervisor Uyai Esset recently received the “Impression Makers” award from PHL's Employee Recognition Program. This award recognizes customer-facing employees who provide direct customer service to passengers.    

PHL Safe & Sound: Airport Police Officer Daniel Davis 

Airport Police Officer Daniel Davis recently received the “Safe & Sound” award in Philadelphia International Airport’s PHL's Employee Recognition Program. This award recognizes employees who protect the integrity and safety of passengers through proactive communication, exemplary teamwork, courage, and effective action.    

PHL Unsung Heroes: American Airlines Fleet Service Agent Stephanie Mathis 

American Airlines Fleet Service Agent Stephanie Mathis recently received the “Unsung Heroes” award from PHL's Employee Recognition Program. The program honors employees who work behind the scenes and are not typically recognized for their work. Although they do not work directly with guests, their effectiveness significantly affects the airport and guest experience.