The City of Philadelphia Department of Aviation celebrated National Aviation Day on August 19 by recognizing the employees and stakeholders who help make Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE) a welcoming gateway to the city. This year’s celebration focused on the employees who helped make the successful summer 2026 travel season possible, while highlighting PHL’s role in connecting millions of travelers to destinations around the world. National Aviation Day marks Orville Wright’s birthday who flew the first successful airplane with his brother Wilbur Wright. This day is a reminder of the Wright brothers and the important role PHL continues to play in connecting people across the world
The celebration kicked off with welcoming remarks by PHL’s Interim Chief Executive Officer, Tracy Borda.
“What a great day to celebrate National Aviation Day and reflect on how the Wright brothers, who were bicycle mechanics, changed the way we travel and ultimately changed the world,” said Borda. “This is also a wonderful opportunity to celebrate all the employees and stakeholders at PHL and PNE and recognize the incredible summer we’ve had. From the PHL Ambassador program to the vibrant spaces we’ve opened, including our “Founded in Philly” offerings that give travelers a true taste of the city. We have local art and music throughout our terminals and so much more. Thank you to all of you for everything you do to make PHL and PNE the best they can be.”
Community Performers March Through Terminals
The airport then came alive with the West Powelton Steppers and Drum Squad, a legendary West Philadelphia community youth organization, drill team, and drum line bringing energy, dance, and music for employees and guest to enjoy.
Airport Partners Welcome Guests
PHL’s partners and stakeholders including Delta, United, Frontier, and American Airlines, U.S. Customs Border Protection (CBP), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA), and Philadelphia Police Department Airport Unit staffed informational tables handing out stress balls, pens, water bottles, and more.
Passengers Enjoyed Interactive Exhibits
Guests were treated to a variety of fun activities and special souvenirs such as a photo booth with Philly-related props and a flight simulator where guests had the opportunity to experience a hands-on simulation on what it’s like to fly an aircraft. An art cart featuring a poetry station where guests could receive a typewritten poem by Marshall James Kavanaugh, the Dream Poet For Hire. Guests also got creative at an arts and crafts station, while exploring the PHL WORKS and Marketplace PHL stations.
PHL gives travelers a taste of Philadelphia while they’re at the airport, and National Aviation Day was a perfect opportunity to celebrate the employees and partners who represent Philadelphia’s spirit while they continue to shape the future of aviation.
