Chief Development Officer Api Appulingam accepted the Airport Design Innovation and Inclusion Award at The Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) Catalyst Awards Ceremony. This award honors an airport or corporation that demonstrates creativity and originality in its project design; meets or exceeded DBE and MWBE participation goals over two years in an architectural, engineering, or construction project; and is an active member who acknowledges AMAC's value and purpose.
Appulingam oversees the improvements and innovation for PHL and PNE’s roadways, terminals and airfields. PHL strives to be a global gateway of choice for guests. As part of PHL's multi-year, multi-million-dollar Restroom Renovation Program, 48 passenger-facing restrooms are being renovated. Improvements in quality and comfort, more capacity for travelers, accessibility for people with disabilities, and sustainability measures are all objectives of the renovation program. The Restrooms Renovation Program is part of a 1.8 billion dollar program to develop new infrastructure and improve architectural, engineering, environmental and planning elements at both airports.
“I was incredibly honored to receive AMAC’s design innovation and inclusion award which serves as a testament to the collaborative spirit and dedication of the entire capital projects team,” said Appulingam. “We are focused on exceptional work and this recognition inspires us to continue to strive for excellence.”
Upon completion, the Restroom Renovation Program will renovate airport restrooms including male and female washrooms as well as gender-neutral restrooms and adult assisted care washrooms. Additionally, the program includes ancillary facilities Service Animal Relief Areas (SARA), permanent lactation suites, quiet spaces, bench charging stations, and assisted care spaces with changing tables. In the adult assisted care room, there is a fixed-height platform with grab bars, an accessible toilet, and a sink for those with mobility issues. Currently, only 18 airports in the U.S. have adult care features such as these.
By implementing these features, the DOA is demonstrating its commitment to stewardship and sustainability, while welcoming every guest in a comfortable and welcoming environment.
The Restrooms Renovation Program consists of eight stages. Phase four of the program was completed in February 2024 in Terminal A-West and included upgrades to five existing restrooms across PHL's terminals. With $39 million in federal grant funding from the Airport Terminal Program, PHL began phases five through eight in September 2023, to rebuild the next 30 restroom sets throughout the airport and construct two new restroom sets.
As each phase of The Restroom Renovation Program is completed, PHL is well on its way to welcoming visitors from around the world to Philadelphia in 2026, when the FIFA World Cup tournament, the MLB All-Star game, and the 250th anniversary of the United States will take place. The Restroom Renovation Program and completed facilities will make the airport experience more pleasant for guests and employees as well as optimize infrastructure, demonstrating PHL's continued commitment to innovation.
