PHL Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Division of Aviation (DOA) Airport Communications Operator II Ashly Francis

The Department of Aviation’s Airport Communications Operator II Ashly Francis was recently recognized in 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.     

Ashly FrancisAt PHL, Francis coordinates all maintenance requests from airport staff and passengers. In addition, she works diligently to ensure the requests are passed on to the correct department. Francis has been at PHL for four years and works the 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. shift.  

Francis begins her day by reading the Bible and meditating. Then, after drinking her morning coffee and preparing her daughter for school, she’s ready to work.  

“I love airplanes and airports,” said Francis. “It’s always been my dream job to work in an airport.”   

Although Francis initially came to the U.S. from India in 2007, she officially immigrated in 2012. She is multilingual and fluent in Hindi, Urdu, Malayalam, Tamil, and English.    

In her recommendation of Francis, Travelers Aid Volunteer Stephanie Abbott stated, “Ashly was extremely pleasant and helpful the times I called her for help. She ensured she got the correct information and assured me that help was on the way. I was grateful to interact with Ashly.” 

Working in the Job Control Department has allowed Francis to learn about maintenance issues and solutions. Simply interacting with the maintenance and electrical departments has widened the scope of her knowledge. She even set up her security camera at home thanks to the knowledge she’s gained on the job. “Having a smooth-running airport with facilities working well for passengers is important,” said Francis.  

She loves the IT field. She is certified in Java programming and working on obtaining a Software Quality Analyst certificate. “I’m a tech person,” said Francis. “I like researching new technologies and learning new tools in software. I’m always learning. I can sit at the computer for hours.”   

She appreciates the colleagues in her department for training her when she first began. Her job is rewarding as everyone collaborates.   

“I appreciate and thank Maintenance Coordinator Ronald Smith,” said Francis. “He’s my friend. Regardless of his situation, he always steps up to help me out.”  

Francis describes herself as a "workaholic" who considers work her second home. She loves facing challenges head-on as she believes they are her steppingstones to gaining knowledge.   

“I hope that the role we play here provides passengers with good hospitality,” said Francis. “We are working hard so they can feel comfortable at the airport. In job control, we are improving the overall airport experience. It makes me feel great. I want to make PHL shine.”  

Francis is essential personnel which requires her to work during snow events. One of her most memorable moments at PHL was working a 16-hour shift through a snowstorm and spending time with her coworkers. She believes times like that have helped to build a strong comradery among them all.   

“I’m proud to work for the Department of Aviation,” said Francis. “I’m able to have a good work/life balance. I enjoy working with my coworkers, and I love the airport environment.”   

The PHL Employee Recognition Program was established by the airport’s Guest Experience (GX) Department. Honorees are nominated by their peers and selected by the GX Council Steering Committee’s Employee Conduct and Recognition Committee. For more information about the program and to nominate an employee, click here

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Christine Ottow
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Heather Redfern
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