Since the beginning of this year, our employee newsletter has included summaries about our units—many that work behind the scenes but are critical to PHL’s and PNE’s success. We will continue publishing these summaries to showcase everyone’s important role in the daily operations of our airports.  

Our HR team is developing programs to help employees feel more connected. We have 180 staff members under 40 who are part of our Young Professionals (“YoPros”) group and our new groups for women over 40 (“GoldPros”) and Minority Women in Aviation and Allies are growing. These groups provide employees from across the DOA with an opportunity to meet others and form stronger connections.  

One of the highlights for me this year is meeting with employees to discuss the Employee Engagement Survey results and action items. These sessions will continue until we manage to schedule every unit. I have been impressed with the teams I have met with to date. Employees are using this forum to be heard and your questions show as DOA employees, you really care about the work you do.

I appreciate the feedback I have received from you during the sessions covering our survey results -the questions and comments have been thoughtful. Not only have I learned about our diverse workforce, I believe the members of the units have learned about their colleagues, too.  

As we discussed in our meetings, our goal is to work together to tackle those issues that will have the greatest impact on fulfilling our vision for PHL and PNE to be world-class gateways of choice. As CEO, I am personally committed and personally accountable for that and to all of you.   

Thank you for everything you do every day for our airports.  

-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.

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

CRGs are designed to ultimately make the City of Philadelphia a more inclusive place to work. All CRGs must align with the three focus areas outlined in the CRG Policy and Procedure Document. These focus areas include:

Networking: Allowing City employees an opportunity to interact with one another
Talent Development: Creating opportunities for City employees to provide talent development to members
Enhance Diversity & Inclusion Strategies and Initiatives: CRGs must produce at least one annual initiative or strategy that focuses on building a more diverse and inclusive City of Philadelphia workforce.
For questions about the City of Philadelphia CRGs, 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.

In April, the YoPros gathered at IP2 for their monthly lunch. They also met with CISO Dr. Jamaine Mungo who spoke about his experiences in information security, teaching, volunteering and community service. He also gave advice on time management and setting boundaries for oneself.  If you have questions or would like to join the YoPros, please reach out to Donna Jackson Stephans or Alec Gever.

GoldPros

GoldPros is officially a new Airport Empowerment Group for women over 40 and allies. Don't fret if you missed the first gathering last month.  Join them on Wednesday, May 8 in the IP2 3rd floor HR Conference Room from 10-11:30AM. They will also meet every second Wednesday of the month at 10AM.

Women of Color in Aviation

Women of Color in Aviation + Allies meet every last Tuesday of the month from 10AM - 11:30AM. The next meeting will be held at Suite 325 Training Room at IP2. If you are planning on attending, bring a photo of yourself from high school!

Training Calendar

All trainings are open to all! No Registration Required! Accept this calendar invite to confirm attendance! 

Deferred Compensation Educational Workshop Series

Deferred Comp Educational Workshops will be held online every Wednesday at 12PM. For more details or to register, click the registration link. 

5/1/24 | To Roth or Not to Roth | Register Here

5/8/24 | Navigating the Online Tools Available to you | Register 

5/15/24 | Budgets, Credits, and Debt. Oh My!| Register

5/22/24 | Understanding Medicare | Register

5/29/24 | Investing 101: A Roadmap for Early & Mid-Career Accumulators | Register

May is AAPI Month

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.  Be sure to visit phl.org/aapi2024 throughout the month for exciting events planned by REAC that celebrate the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States and shine a spotlight on DOA staff.

New Hires

Welcome to our April new hires: 

Amir Green - Custodial Worker 1

Curtis Gilyard - Custodial Worker 1

Daisean Smith - Custodial Worker 1

Darnel Toole - Custodial Worker 1

Jason Walat - Engineering Intern

Jocelyn Singleton - Custodial Worker 1


John Bruzzese - Engineering Intern


Latina Johnson - Custodial Worker 1


Lisa Hicks - Custodial Worker 1
Marguerite Parker - Engineering Intern

Natasha Gonzalez - Custodial Worker 1


Nathan Vader - Executive Assistant


Nicholas Moore - Engineering Intern  

Sam Li - Graduate Environmental Engineer


Sebastian Kielar - Engineering Intern

Sydney Eben - Engineering Intern

William Harris - Custodial Worker 1

Promotions

Congratulations to Vernon Lampkin who was promoted to Custodial Work Supervisor 2 in April!

Information Security

In an era where our operations are intricately tied to digital processes, the responsibility of safeguarding our company's information is paramount. Information Security is our collaborative effort to shield our data from the myriad of digital threats that loom in the shadows of technology.

What Is Information Security (InfoSec)?
Information Security, or InfoSec is the comprehensive strategy and proactive practices we implement to protect our data from being accessed, altered, or destroyed by those without the right to view or use it.

InfoSec is our collective effort to deploy a variety of defensive measures that act as barriers against cyber threats, ensuring that only authorized eyes can see, and hands can handle our sensitive information.

Why Is Information Security Important?

•  Protection: Like a vault, InfoSec secures our sensitive and valuable information, ensuring it remains confidential.
• Trust: It is the bedrock of our relationship with customers and colleagues alike, assuring them that their data is in safe hands.
• Compliance: InfoSec keeps us on the right side of the law, helping us adhere to necessary regulations and avoid legal repercussions.
• Continuity: It is the assurance that our business operations can withstand and continue amidst digital adversity.
• Reputation: Our commitment to InfoSec underpins our reputation, as it demonstrates our dedication to safeguarding all data entrusted to us.
• Financial Well-Being: In an environment where a data breach can mean significant financial loss, robust InfoSec practices are not just prudent; they are economically essential.

How You Can Be a Pillar of Our InfoSec Strategy

Every line of defense counts, and your role is critical:

• Email Vigilance: Treat every unexpected email with caution and avoid clicking on links or opening attachments from unknown sources. Be skeptical of emails asking for confidential information, even if they seem to come from a known contact.
• Phishing Awareness: Learn to spot the red flag signs of phishing—unexpected or strange requests, poor grammar, a sense of urgency, suspicious email address or a request to click on a link, etc. Use the Phish Alert Button to submit ANY email that you deem questionable or suspicious. If the Phish Alert Button is unavailable, please forward the email to “[email protected]”.  Continue to identify and report phishing attempts.
• Incident Reporting: Your prompt action in reporting suspicious activities is invaluable. It enables us to respond swiftly, potentially preventing a security incident or reducing its impact.

Metrics that matter:

• Phishing accounts for 90% of data breaches, with 65% of cybercriminals using phishing as their primary attack method. This form of social engineering relies on human error and continues to be one of the leading causes of data breaches.
• Human Error in Misdelivery: Misdelivery of information, such as sending an email to the wrong recipient, accounts for 17% of all breaches involving human error.
• Up to 95% of security incidents are due to human error, underlining the importance of security education and protocol compliance.

By grasping the essence of InfoSec, recognizing its importance, and actively participating in our security initiatives, you contribute significantly to the security fabric of PHL. Your assurance to these practices does not go unnoticed. Together, every careful step we take in safeguarding our information paves the way for a safer, more secure future for our company, our customers, and ourselves.

We're all in this together, and together, we're continuously building a resilient, secure workplace.  Thank you for your dedication and for being an active agent of our information security framework.

Thank you for your commitment!

Dr. Jamaine Mungo
Chief Information Security Officer

Earth Month Celebrations

The Earth Month celebration continues in May. 

PHL Food and Shops

Sabrina's Ribbon Cutting 

MarketPlace PHL will hold a ribbon cutting to celebrate Sabrina's Cafe in Terminal C at 10AM on Tuesday, May 7.

Bubly Sparkling Water Sampling 

MarketPlace PHL and Pepsi will host a Bubly sparkling water sampling on the upcoming dates: 

• Thursday, May 9, 10AM-2PM, Terminal D/E Connector (in the former library space) 
• Thursday, May 16, 2PM-6PM, B/C Food Court stage
• Thursday, May 30, 11AM-3PM, Terminal E rotunda

Be Relax Special Promotions

Be Relax Spa located in Terminal C has special promotions this spring, including a special 20% off employee discount. 

Meet Two of DOA's Units that Keep Things Running

This month, we’re sharing the presentations of two units that maintain our facilities, systems, infrastructure, and technology. They operate behind the scenes, but they have a huge impact on other employees’ success and our airports’ overall performance.

The Information Technology (IT) Unit:

View the IT Unit presentation (and video)

The IT Unit is led by Mike Morris, VP of Client Engagement and Camille Tomlin, VP of Infrastructure. The IT department implements, manages, and maintains critical systems and infrastructure to ensure seamless operations and strategic alignment with business objectives (making sure employees have what they need.) IT is a support unit, with a goal to ensure that the technology and infrastructure at PHL are sufficient to advance the success of the DOA and our partners at the Airport. Its employees also have a sense of humor, as part of its presentation, the unit produced a video: The Godfather of PHL IT Part 2.

The Facilities and Maintenance Unit:

View the Facilities and Maintenance Unit presentation

Did you know that there are 3.3 million square feet of terminal complex to maintain and clean? That includes 430,000 square feet of carpet, 750,000 square feet of glass windows and 910 acres of pavement. The Facilities and Maintenance Unit led by Milton Robinson, Interim Vice-President of Facilities Maintenance and James Jones, Facilities Manager takes care of all that and more. Check out their presentation to see all that the unit manages including buildings, utilities, electrical services, electronics, pavement & grounds, custodial services, and supplies.

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

The Latest from PHL's Online Newsroom

At the Airport

Take a Trip Back to the Past: PHL's SkyView Dining Room

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) opened in 1940 as Philadelphia Municipal Airport. When American Overseas Airlines inaugurated transatlantic services in 1945, Philadelphia Municipal Airport became PHL.  

In December 1953, PHL underwent a $15 million terminal building renovation, which included a 400-seat restaurant on the third level. The restaurant included floor-to-ceiling windows allowing guests to see both the airfield and the sky. Adjoining the restaurant was a cocktail lounge, coffee shop, and soda fountain for passengers, employees, and the public.  

Airlines

Naples: A Slice of History

Naples, Italy, is home to history and art in every direction. From June 5 through October 25, you can explore the city via a nonstop American Airlines flight from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).  

Naples Underground offers tunnels and pathways full of culture, under streets and squares built by the Romans and Greeks. Guided tours through the “underworld” welcome you to stories within caves, tunnels, and underground passages. Well known areas of Naples Underground are Napoli Sotterranea, Galleria Borbonica, and La Neapolis Sotterrata.  

The Philadelphian’s Ultimate Guide to Copenhagen

Beginning June 6 through October 5, American Airlines will offer nonstop service between Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Copenhagen, Denmark.  

Picture this: Your tickets are purchased and you’re excitedly awaiting your flight to Copenhagen, but now what?  

If you’re flying out of PHL, chances are you’ve experienced the ins and outs of Philadelphia, with art, food, and culture embedded in every step you take. You’ve jogged up the Art Museum steps like Rocky, devoured a cheesesteak from your favorite local spot, wandered through Reading Terminal like a kid in a candy store, and much more.  

Operations & Security

PHL Opens New Airport Operations Center

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) has opened its new Airport Operations Center (AOC) in its former Communications Center between Terminals C and D on Departures Road. The AOC serves as the nerve center of the airport, bringing together various personnel and departments such as Airport Operations Coordinators (AOCs); Job Control and Call Center Operators; and Systems Control (security), the IT Help Desk, emergency dispatch, and a Lost and Found Office all in one location. After a few years of planning, it took approximately two years to complete the project and transition each unit to the location.  

In the Community

On the beautiful, slightly overcast spring morning of April 17, 20 volunteers from the Department of Aviation came together to celebrate National Garden Month with a garden cleanup project at the Boys and Girls Club of Chester (BGCC). The event was part of a series of activities the Department of Aviation hosted for Earth Month and it showcased the spirit of community that the airports' staff exemplifies. 

Sustainability

PHL Taxiway J Rehabilitation Project Earns Envision Verified Award

The City of Philadelphia Department of Aviation’s Taxiway J rehabilitation project at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) obtained Envision Verified status for integrating principles of sustainability into the taxiway’s design and construction. PHL is one of only 12 airports in the United States- and the first project in Pennsylvania- to have completed an Envision-verified project since the program’s start in 2010.

People at PHL

PHL Airport COO Keith Brune honored as the 2024 Airport Executive of the Year

Keith Brune, Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the City of Philadelphia Department of Aviation, was honored as the 2024 Northeast Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives’ (NEC/AAAE) Airport Executive of the Year.

PHL Unsung Heroes - American Airlines Facility Maintenance Supervisor Ariel Morales

American Airlines Facility Maintenance Supervisor Ariel Morales recently received the “Unsung Heroes” award from Philadelphia International Airport’s (PHL) 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.

PHL Impression Makers - Prime Flight Aviation - American Airlines Baggage Service Agent Wayne McGlotten

Prime Flight Aviation - American Airlines Baggage Service Agent Wayne McGlotten recently received the “Impression Makers” award from Philadelphia International Airport’s (PHL) Employee Recognition Program. This award recognizes employees who provide direct customer service to passengers.     

Nicholas Scott Dumas, MPA-EM, A.A.E., ACE, Earns Professional Airport Accreditation

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Nicholas Scott Dumas, MPA-EM, A.A.E., ACE, Airport Operations Duty Supervisor, Philadelphia International Airport, Philadelphia, PA, has been awarded the distinction of Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) by the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE).

PHL Impression Makers: Chickie’s and Pete’s Bartender Holly Glaze

Chickie’s and Pete’s Bartender Holly Glaze, recently received the “Impression Makers” award from Philadelphia International Airport’s (PHL) Employee Recognition Program. This award recognizes employees who provide direct customer service to passengers.    

Glaze, who works Wednesday through Friday from 1 – 10 p.m., has been at PHL for over seven months as a bartender at Chickie’s & Pete’s Terminal A-West location.    

PHL Food and Shops

MarketPlace PHL Launches New Online Guide

Wondering where you can find information regarding food and shops located in Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)? MarketPlace PHL has launched FlyThruPHL-- flythru.phlfoodandshops.com/. When visiting FlyThruPHL, travelers will discover food and retail deals and discounts, special event details, articles and more. Travelers also have access to Order@PHL for mobile order ahead food pick-up.

To sign up for employee discounts, text PHLSHOPDINE to 267-550-0996.