Philadelphia International and Northeast Philadelphia Airports 2020 Annual Report

The City of Philadelphia’s Division of Aviation entered 2020 on a high, having set a record for passenger volume in 2019. Despite the challenges 2020 presented, our team kept Philadelphia International and Northeast Philadelphia Airports open and operational. We adapted to many new health and safety protocols and collaborated on innovative solutions to problems posed by a relentless global pandemic all while maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for our guests, colleagues and stakeholders.

Innovation and Technology Initiatives

Biometric Screening Pilot

On January 21, PHL implemented a 45-day pilot of biometric screening technology at three international gates to help U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) process departing passengers. The pilot also included Synectecmedia ReadySeeGo digital signage totems display multimedia, bilingual content to create passenger awareness of the biometric cameras and provide instructions for their use.

Community Support and Philanthropy

MarketPlace PHL and PHL Food & Shops have partnered with Philabundance on a program that rescues food from more than 65 merchants at the airport for redistribution to various agencies and neighborhoods in the Greater Philadelphia region. This program was recognized by Philadelphia Business Journal as one of the publication’s “2020 Faces of Philanthropy”. Thanks to the hard work of PHL Food & Shops staff and merchants, over 30,000 pounds of rescued food (about 30,000 meals) have nourished PHL’s neighbors in need across the Delaware Valley.

In May, the PHL Ramp Tower was lit blue in support of healthcare workers facing the COVID-19 pandemic. With this new feature, the airport's Ramp Tower joined other local buildings and landmarks in illuminating the region in blue in appreciation of the healthcare community. Throughout the year, the Tower lights will reflect the colors of Philadelphia’s sports teams, as well as hues associated with holidays, special city and airport events and causes, including Valentine’s Day, LGBTQ Pride, July 4th and Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Digital Events and Employee Resources

On May 6, PHL and 22 airports across North America came together for the JetStream Music Festival, an online celebration of local music hosted by Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Philadelphia Music Ambassador Chill Moody, a frequent performer on the airport's B/C Connector stage, represented PHL in support of the creative community during the COVID-19 crisis.

In May, the airport launched a COVID-19 Employee Resources page where workers can access information on entering the displaced worker program, applying for unemployment benefits, and obtaining current job openings throughout the city.

PHL Employee Recognition Program

The Philadelphia International Airport’s (PHL) Employee Recognition Program honors individuals who demonstrate outstanding commitment to service and prioritize passenger care. This program recognizes employees who consistently exemplify outstanding customer service in their positions and honors those in vital behind-the-scenes roles whose dedication and efforts are essential to the airport's overall success.