The theme was Destination Future: “Recap, Renew and Re-imagine!” and we were honored to have hundreds of elected officials, stakeholders and business and community leaders join us to learn about our recent accomplishments and our plans for 2026 and beyond. 

We discussed how we will renew our existing airport infrastructure and focus on providing stellar guest experiences. In addition to the PHL WORKS program we recently launched, the DOA has committed more than $500 million dollars for landside, terminal and airfield improvement projects at PHL and PNE. We will refresh gate holdrooms with new seating and carpet, update the exterior of PHL, greet visitors with new landscaping and wayfinding signage and are constructing a new PNE administration building.

We were also excited to share a new economic impact study conducted by the firm Econsult Solutions Inc, that shows our airports have an annual economic impact of $18.7 billion in the four-state, 11-county surrounding region, supporting 102,600 jobs and resulting in $6.1 billion in earnings. 

The report shares the impact our airports have on opportunities for minority-owned businesses. We’ll be showcasing these on October 11, at the upcoming Business Opportunity Forum that takes place during Minority Enterprise Development (MED) 

Of course, we need the support of all our employees to sustain our growth and accomplish our future goals. I hope you take time to watch this recording of the State of the Airport to learn more about where PHL and PNE are headed.  

Thank you for what you do for our airports every day. 
-Atif

HR Updates

Covid 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.

About CRGs & AEGs: The City of Philadelphia recognizes City Resource Groups (CRGs) as a critical initiative to support the growth and development of a diverse workforce. CRGs are designed to ultimately make the City and DOA more inclusive places to work. Airport Empowerment Groups (AEGs) are intended for the DOA community to promote employee engagement; create networking opportunities to make professional contacts; promote information sharing cross-functionally and organizationally; identify gaps in airport business strategies; support airport initiatives; and strengthen team building and social events.

CRGs - for questions about City Resource Groups, 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.

Young Professionals in Business Aviation is an AEG for airport employees who are 40 and under and interested in networking and connecting with other young professionals. During last month's meeting they discussed the ins and outs of Deferred Compensation and the importance of preparing for retirement as early as possible.

GoldPros: The GoldPros is an AEG for women over 40 and allies. They meet every second Wednesday of the month from 10-11:30 AM. Email Shawn Hawes if you are interested in joining.

Women of Color in Aviation and Allies: The mission of this AEG is to provide resources and support women of color who are in the industry and invest in ways to attract more women of color to aviation. General meetings are held the fourth Tuesday of each month from 10-11:30 AM in the IP2 - 3rd floor Training Room.

Training Calendar

There is a revised New Employee Orientation schedule. Notifications to new employees will be communicated by the DOA's Human Resources and Training & Development Department. If you have additional questions, please contact [email protected].

New Hires 

Welcome to our new hires: 

Alex Lukashevich - Ops Trainee 

Alila Cornelius-Jordan - Service Representative

Carter Beuc - Engineering Intern

Celeste Holloman - Airport Operations Agent

Charisma Cain - Service Representative 

Cheryl Gill - Airport Operations Agent

Clara Barron - Engineering Intern

Courtney Hathaway - Ops Trainee (Security)

Damon Reid - Custodial Worker 1

Devon Miree – Electronic Technician 1

Dominic Mancuso - Ops Trainee 

Donye Rosser - Semiskilled Laborer

Dylan Fox - Sign Fabricator 

Ella Burlokova - Bilingual Receptionist 

Eric Palmer - Custodial Worker 1

Farley Lloyd - Custodial Worker 1

Gavin Kelley - Ops Trainee

Grant Sullivan - Ops Trainee

Ismael Boro - Bilingual Receptionist

Ismari Marin - Airport Communications Operator 1

Karen Mahoney - Sign Fabricator

Karim Stevens - Custodial Worker 1

Keeshana Anderson – Service Rep

Lateacha Barnes - Airport Communications Operator 1

Lawrence Javed - Ops Trainee

Lia Baker - Airport Communications Operator 1

Lisbeth Lizarazo - Airport Communications Operator 1

Malcolm McKinney - Custodial Worker 1

Marvin Laventure - Airport Operations Agent

Michelle Fripps - Custodial Worker 1

Nafis Robbins - Semiskilled Laborer

Noah McCoy - Ops Trainee

Sade Eiminger-Burton - Ops Trainee

Shaniyah Banks - Ops Trainee 

Shron Pratt - Service Representative

Sonya Sullivan - Airport Communications Operator 1

Susan Hankinson - Service Rep 

Sylvester Mitchell - Custodial Worker 1

Tahje Watkins Strong - Ops Trainee 

Tawon Underwood - Semi Skilled Laborer

Temika Mccollum - Custodial Worker 1

Thomas Dinh - Engineering Intern

Troy Smith - Service Representative

William Palmer - Financial Technician

Zahir Wylie - Custodial Worker 1

Promotions

Congratulations to everyone promoted in September

Greg Bilynsky – Building Maintenance Superintendent 1

Ken Garsey – Airport Electrical Services Supervisor

Wallace Dubois – Airport Operations Manager

William Paxson – Building Maintenance Superintendent 1

Do you have experience or are interested in starting a career in a skilled trade? Explore opportunities available at PHL and PNE at the Airport Recruitment Fair on Saturday, October 5, from 9am-1pm at the PHL Pavement and Grounds Building, 4780 Island Avenue.

Learn about open positions from Department of Aviation staff and apply on the spot. Can’t make the Recruitment Fair, visit phila.gov/jobs to apply. For more information, email [email protected] or call 215-937-5471. Applications are open through October 11.  

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

For the remainder of Hispanic Heritage Month join REAC for fun, informative programs.  

• Salsa Dancing with Maria Resto: Learn some new moves and enjoy the rhythm! – October 3, 2024, IP2 Cafeteria, 3– 4 PM.  
• Walking Tour: Explore prominent artwork by Hispanic artists at the PHL airport – October 10, 2024, PHL Terminals 10:30 AM- 12 PM.  

The PHL-PNE DEI Book Club will meet October 2,17, and 31 from 12-1PM.  

Information Security Update

As technology continues to evolve, safeguarding our digital assets has never been more critical. In this month’s newsletter, we focus on the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in cybersecurity, exploring what AI is, its advantages in strengthening security defenses, and the potential challenges and drawbacks it presents in the fight against cyber threats. Read more here!

Community Relations Update

This summer, the Department of Aviation's Community Relations Unit held a coat drive for students and PHL staff donated more than 40 coats to students of all ages from Penrose Elementary School on September 5, 2024 at their Welcome Back to School Night event. Thank you to all who contributed towards this special cause. Your gifts were greatly appreciated.

PHL Food and Shops

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration Continues

Check out these fun, interactive, and informative events with PHL Food & Shops through October 15! 

Fashion Show Casting Call

Calling All Employees! MarketPlace PHL will host its employee-based winter fashion show "Runway PHL" casting call October 15 from 1-6 p.m. and October 18 from 8 a.m. - 12 PM in the Tour Room. All employees are encouraged to attend! Runway PHL will be held December 12.  Look for more information in future newsletters.  

Meet the Cargo Services Unit

The Cargo Services Team is led by Nicole Maddox, Assistant Director for Air Service Development and Cargo Services. It is part of the Commercial Group under Kate Sullivan, Chief Commercial Officer. The team is developing an innovative cargo program at PHL and is focused on building out new cargo infrastructure to support future growth. One of its key projects is a new Cool Port facility which is a climate-controlled warehouse to support the local biomedical and pharmaceutical industries, along with others. In addition to developing infrastructure, the team also promotes the PHL cargo brand to attract new carriers and promote more business development. This involves working closely with the community of regional cargo stakeholders which are now represented by the PHL Air Cargo Council. Another key project is development of an Air Cargo Community System, a digital platform that allows all cargo users to track and manage their shipments and related documentation. The Cargo Services Team is positioning PHL for the future.
Learn more in the Cargo Services Team presentation

Follow us on Social Media

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

The Latest from PHL's Online Newsroom

At the Airport

On Your Mark, Get Set, Take Off! 

PHL couldn’t have asked for a better day for its seventh 5K on the Runway on September 14. The bright sun and cool late summer temperature made last year’s rain a distant memory. PHL couldn’t have asked for a better crowd, either. Four hundred runners and walkers signed up to “take-off” on Runway 8-26—a complete sell-out. 

Press Releases

Department of Aviation Holds Inaugural State of the Airport 

The City of Philadelphia Department of Aviation hosted its inaugural State of the Airport, with the theme “Recap, Renew and Re-imagine!” at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The event brought together elected officials and leaders from across the Greater Philadelphia region to hear from Department of Aviation CEO Atif Saeed, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson and American Airlines Executive Vice President Nate Gatten, who was the keynote speaker. The State of the Airport also included the release of new economic impact study conducted by Econsult Solutions Inc.’s for PHL and PNE.

Airlines

American Airlines debuts summer 2025 schedule with new routes to Europe

While autumn is on the horizon, American Airlines is gearing up to bring more travelers to Europe next summer with five new routes. As the airline continues to grow its trans-Atlantic service, American will resume flights to Edinburgh, Scotland (EDI), for the first time since 2019 and add new routes to Athens, Greece (ATH); Madrid (MAD); Milan (MXP) and Rome (FCO). 

Sustainability

PHL and PNE Achieve Elevated Airport Carbon Accreditation Ratings to Level 3 and Level 2

The City of Philadelphia Department of Aviation is excited to share PHL’s achievement of Level 3 Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA), highlighting the airport’s dedication to advanced environmental sustainability. PNE is also being recognized, as it moved up from Level 1 to Level 2 accreditation this year. ACA is an international carbon management certification program intended to encourage the airport industry to reduce its carbon footprint and improve efficiency. This voluntary program evaluates an airport's carbon emissions management and reduction strategies and recognizes their efforts through the program's accreditation levels. 

People at PHL

Hispanic Heritage Month - Frontier Customer Service Agent Miguel Suarez Caro  

September 15 to October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of immigrants and American citizens whose ancestors came from Mexico, Spain, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The City of Philadelphia Department of Aviation celebrates the contributions of Hispanic people in the aviation industry and beyond. Meet Miguel Suarez Caro, a dedicated Frontier Customer Service Agent who finds joy in assisting guests from check-in to boarding. Suarez Caro started in his role nearly a year ago. He takes pride in delivering exceptional customer service and facilitating global connections. His ability to form strong bonds with guests within minutes is a testament to his passion for his work.