To celebrate the people of PHL, the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) held a pep rally and award ceremony for the launch of PHL WORKS, a program to promote service excellence among its 16,800 badged employees. The program aims to bring together representatives from all operating partners to provide a unified experience for passengers. The initiative is led by the Guest Experience Stakeholder Council and will be incorporated into new hire training and provide resources for managers.
The program commenced with two drumline parades originating from separate terminals marching their way to B/C connector: West Powelton Steppers and Drum Squad from Terminal F, and Positive Movement Entertainment Drumline from Terminal A-West. The celebration was kicked off with opening remarks by Leah Douglas, Director of Guest Experience, followed by speeches from Atif Saeed, PHL’s CEO and Lakshman Amaranayaka, American Airlines Vice President of Philadelphia Hub Operations.
Special guest, Eagles insider Dave Spadaro, made an appearance to recognize and honor the outstanding employees of PHL. He highlighted their exceptional achievements and presented them with a signed football by the Eagles players as a token of appreciation. The awardees included:
Thomas Doersam, an American Airlines Customer Service Coordinator, who received the "Teamwork Makes the Dream Work" award. As a station trainer in the training department, he teaches employees about customer service, international flights, and safety procedures, and has improved operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Liza Johnson, a bus operator at Philadelphia International Airport, who received the "Impression Makers" award for her exceptional customer service. She is known for her kindness, welcoming nature, and willingness to help, often going above and beyond to ensure passengers feel comfortable and valued.
Hector Cintron-Rivera, Transportation Security Officer (TSO) received the "Caring Support" award for his exceptional care and services to passengers with special needs. His nominator, Sierra Moran, praised Cintron-Rivera for helping her during a stressful moment after losing her ID and creating a welcoming environment for people with disabilities.
Calvin Truitt, a maintenance coordinator at Philadelphia International Airport, has received the "Unsung Heroes" award for his outstanding work behind the scenes. He was nominated by his colleagues for his excellent communication, problem-solving, and follow-up skills, as well as his eagerness to help and professionalism in resolving maintenance issues.
Tonia Davis, a Line Queue Attendant at Prime Flight Aviation Services, has received the "Impression-makers" award for her exceptional customer service and dedication to creating a comfortable airport experience. Her proactive communication and teamwork with TSA agents and other airport staff have earned her a commemorative All-Star medal and recognition from passengers and colleagues alike.
After the formal ceremony, the event transitioned to a festive atmosphere. The celebration featured giveaways, food and beverage samples, and demonstrations. Attendees were treated to a variety of offerings, including Chickie’s and Pete’s samples, Pepsi beverages, and chips. Additionally, PHL distributed logo water bottles and cupcakes, while a photo booth allowed employees to capture memorable moments. The event also featured an art demonstration on threading and live music by a DJ, which kept employees and passengers entertained.
