TAKING OFF with PHL

Philadelphia Gets Ready to Rumble: Wrestlemania and Other Key Sporting Events Mar 06, 2024

One thing everyone seems to know about Philadelphia is our passion for sports. In addition to our home teams, we are lucky to be a destination city for all types of sporting events big and small, from the NFL Draft to Little League games. One such event coming in April 2024 is drawing fans from around the world, as the smackdown comes to Philadelphia with Wrestlemania!

In this episode, Atif Saeed, CEO of the City of Philadelphia's Department of Aviation, talks with Larry Needle, Executive Director of PHL Sports at the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Leah Douglas, Director of Guest Experience at the Philadelphia Airport.

Leonardo Leads in Innovation from PNE Feb 01, 2024

PNE may host one of the area's best kept secrets when it comes to innovation! For over 35 years, Leonardo, an Italian helicopter company, has called PNE its U.S. home base, where over 700 employees design, build, and service helicopters that will be used around the world. Leonardo also hosts an impressive flight school, teaching domestic and international military personnel how to fly. Leonardo is changing the aviation industry with their cutting-edge work. In this episode, Atif Saeed, CEO of the City of Philadelphia's Department of Aviation, talks with Mike Cooper, Manager of External Relations, Communications & Institutional Affairs at Leonardo. For more information on PNE, go to www.phl.org/PNE and for more information on Leonardo, visit usa.leonardo.com

Landline Motor Coach Program: An Industry First Jan 03, 2024

PHL airport recently piloted and debuted a new program working with the TSA, American Airlines, and Landline Motor Coach, giving passengers from smaller hubs a smoother way to get to PHL to catch connecting flights. PHL is the only airport in the country to roll out this new program, continuing in the city's history of innovation. In this episode, Atif Saeed, CEO of the City of Philadelphia's Department of Aviation, speaks with Gerardo Spero, Federal Security Director for the TSA, about what it took to bring this innovative new service to life. To learn more about the Landline Motor Coach program, visit https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/experience/landline.jsp.

Recent Ratings are Making Us Soar Dec 04, 2023

PHL and PNE recently received good news with updated ratings from S&P, Fitch, and Moody's - the big three national credit rating agencies. The ratings tell a story of how the airport is operating well and is a good bet for potential investors! Listen here to learn why.

To learn more about the ratings, visit phl.org.

Equity and Entrepreneurship: The Disadvantaged Business Program Nov 10, 2023

In this episode, Atif Saeed, CEO of the city of Philadelphia's Department of Aviation speaks with Denise Bailey, Deputy Director of Aviation, Business Diversity and Accessibility.

Here at PHL and PNE, we are committed to working with and supporting small diverse businesses. From parking, to food, to facilities, there are hundreds of businesses that not only keep our airport moving, but help create a better experience for our travelers. We are proud to have diverse businesses reflect the City of Philadelphia.

To learn more about our Diverse Businesses, please visit phl.org

AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT AT PHL Aug 18, 2023

Air Service Development is imperative to retain our existing routes, increasing frequency of flights to certain destinations and to bring new routes to our airport. In this episode, Edgar Vesga, Director of Air-Service Development at PHL joins Atif Saeed, CEO of the City of Philadelphia, Department of Aviation to discuss PHL’s air service program and some new exciting additions at PHL.

To learn more about our Air Service Development program, please visit phl.org

SUSTAINABILITY AT THE AIRPORT Aug 16, 2023

Here at PHL and PNE, we believe in the importance of addressing sustainability and incorporating it into our daily practices at the airport. Joining Atif Said in this episode to highlight some of our amazing programs, efforts and implementation is PHL’s Sustainability Manager, Jessica Noon.

To learn more about our Sustainability Program, please visit phl.org

TAILWINDS FLIGHT SCHOOL Jul 25, 2023

Joining Atif Saeed in this episode is Howard Cooper, owner and founder of Tailwinds Flight School located at PNE. With more than 25 years of experience as an educator, Howard brings a passion for teaching to the aviation industry. For those of you who don’t know, Tailwinds is a small flight school with three airplanes, a state-of-the-art flight simulator, and a group of amazing flight instructors who love to teach people to fly located at the Northeast Philadelphia Airport.

To learn more about Howard and Tailwinds Flight School, please visit flytailwinds.com

For everything PHL please visit PHL.org

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF ART AT PHL May 27, 2023

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of Philadelphia International Airports Arts Program! Over its 25 years, the program has provided millions of visitors from around the world access to a wide variety of art forms by artists and arts institutions from the Greater Philadelphia area.

In this episode, joining Atif Saeed, CEO of the city of Philadelphia’s Department of Aviation to help celebrate 25 years of the program, is the founder of the Arts Program at PHL and Director of Guest Experience - Leah Douglas.

To learn more about the Exhibitions Program at PHL please visit PHL.org and be sure to follow @PHLAirportArt on Instagram.

Celebrating 25 Years of Marketplace PHL May 10, 2023

In this episode, Atif Saeed, CEO of the city of Philadelphia’s Department of Aviation speaks with Clarence LeJeune and Mel Hannah from Marketplace PHL.

Marketplace PHL is a joint venture partnership between Marketplace development and LeJeune and Associates, which is a private partner with the City of Philadelphia and runs the award-winning PHL Food & Shops program within the Philadelphia International Airport. Marketplace PHL is responsible for the leasing, development, and management of the more than 100 restaurants, bars and shops within our airport.

To learn more about Marketplace PHL and the Philadelphia International Airport please visit phl.org

PHL Fire Chief Kamau Bright Feb 28, 2023

In this episode of Taking Off with PHL, Keith Brune the Chief Operating Officer for the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Aviation speakes with the chief of PHL’s Aircraft Rescue & Firefighting (ARFF) Engine 78 unit - Chief Kamau Bright.

The learn more anout Chief Bright and Philadelphia International Airport please visit phl.org

Meet Philadelphia’s Department of Aviation’s New CEO Atif Saeed Jan 31, 2023

Join Philadelphia’s Department of Aviation COO, Keith Brune welcome the City of Philadelphia's Department of Aviation’s new CEO Atif Saeed to PHL, to Philadelphia and to Taking Off to PHL!

To learn more about Atif and everything PHL please visit PHL.org

Exceptional Employee: John Glass Dec 27, 2022

In the Division of Aviation, we use the acronym P.R.I.D.E. to describe our daily commitment to our customers and our co-workers, as well as our mission to connect Philadelphia to the world.

The letters stand for:

P-People First

R-Respect

I-Integrity

D-Diversity

E-Excellence

This episode is part of our Exceptional Employees series recognizing those individuals nominated by their colleagues for exhibiting one or more of the Division of Aviation’s core values.

In this episode, Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Philadelphia Division of Aviation, Delicsha Wilds, speaks with PRIDE Award recipient, John Glass.

To learn more about Philadelphia International Airport and our exceptional employees, please visit phl.org

Exceptional Employee: David Rosenblum Dec 27, 2022

In the Division of Aviation, we use the acronym P.R.I.D.E. to describe our daily commitment to our customers and our co-workers, as well as our mission to connect Philadelphia to the world.

The letters stand for:

P-People First

R-Respect

I-Integrity

D-Diversity

E-Excellence

This episode is part of our Exceptional Employees series recognizing those individuals nominated by their colleagues for exhibiting one or more of the Division of Aviation’s core values.

In this episode, Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Philadelphia Division of Aviation, Delicsha Wilds, speaks with PRIDE Award recipient, David Rosenblum.

To learn more about Philadelphia International Airport and our exceptional employees, please visit phl.org

What To Expect During The Holiday Travel Season Nov 17, 2022

As we head into the busy holiday travel season, in addition to packing your bags be sure to pack your patience. Holiday travel in the airport this year will feel in many ways like pre-pandemic travel...busy and crowded.

Joining Keith in this episode for some travel tips on what you can expect during this holiday travel season is Kate Sullivan is the Deputy Director of Strategic Partnerships at PHL.

To learn more about Philadelphia International Airport please visit phl.org

DEPARTMENT OF AVIATION BALLOT MEASURE Oct 19, 2022

The City of Philadelphia – Division of Aviation, which operates the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and the Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE), is currently a division of the City’s Department of Commerce. In May 2022, the Philadelphia City Council approved a ballot measure that would create a standalone Department of Aviation. Joining Keith in this episode is PHL’s Director of Government Affairs, Shane Doud. Hear about the positive impact this change would have for passengers, stakeholders, employees, and the region, if the proposed amendment to The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter is approved.

Celebrating PRIDE 365 With Philadelphia Gay News Publisher Mark Segal Sep 30, 2022

Philadelphia is one of the country’s most LGBTQAI-friendly cities and was the first ever U.S. destination to produce a national TV commercial for the LGBTQAI traveler. Here at PHL, we strongly believe in and practice PRIDE 365 through our year-round support for and celebration of the LGBTQAI. Joining us for this episode is legendary LGBTQAI Rights Activist and Founder of the Philadelphia Gay News, Mark Segal. Mark has been a member of the PHL Airport Advisory Board since its inception in 2010.

To learn more about Mark and Philadelphia Gay News please visit epgn.com

And to learn more about Philadelphia International Airport please visit phl.org

PHL 5K On the Runway Aug 22, 2022

Join Keith Brune, interim CEO of the City of Philadelphia, Division of Aviation for a “behind the scenes” look at the 2022 PHL 5K on the Runway that will take place on September 10, 2022. This is the 5th year that Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) will host the event, which allows participants to experience running on an actual runway used by commercial aircraft while supporting local charities.

Joining Keith in this episode is Keesha Lane, PHL & PNE’s Assistant Director of Community Engagement and Outreach, and John Glass, PHL’s Operations Superintendent.

To register or find out more information about the PHL 5K on the Runway, please visit PHL.org/PHL5K

CHELLIE CAMERON PASSES THE HOSTING MIC OF TAKING OFF TO INTERIM CEO KEITH BRUNE Jun 30, 2022

In Chellie’s final episode with the podcast, she passes the hosting mic to Keith Brune, Interim CEO of the City of Philadelphia Division of Aviation. After four years as host of Taking Off, Chellie Cameron is taking on a new challenge as president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia. In this episode, Chellie and Keith take a look down memory lane, reminisce about the evolution of Taking Off, and discuss what’s to come.

To learn more Philadelphia International Airport, please visit phl.org

Celebrating AAPI Month With Khine Zaw AACCGP President and CEO May 31, 2022

May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This annual celebration recognizes the cultural and historical contributions of people and organizations who identify as AAPI in the United States. In this episode, Chellie is joined by Khine Zaw, the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia’s President and CEO.

To learn more about The Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia and Khine, please visit https://asianchamberphila.org/

And to learn more Philadelphia International Airport, please visit https://phl.org/newsroom

SUMMER TRAVEL TRENDS WITH THE POINTS GUY Apr 28, 2022

Nearly 9 out of 10 Americans (85%) are expecting to travel this summer, according to new data from the U.S. Travel Association – suggesting that people have brushed off their COVID fears and are returning to a “ready to travel” mindset. In fact, the foot traffic through TSA checkpoints over the last holiday weekend in the U.S. was only slightly less than in 2019 pre-pandemic.

As Americans’ enthusiasm for travel continues to rebound to pre-pandemic levels, the travel experience is most certainly very different than it once was.

In this episode, Chellie is joined by Clint Henderson, Managing Editor of News for The Points Guy, a travel lifestyle media platform and website, to talk about what travelers can expect at airports and in the skies this summer travel season.

To learn more about Clint and The Points Guy, please visit thepointsguy.com

And to learn more Philadelphia International Airport, please visit phl.org

Celebrating Women In Aviation - Candace McGraw CEO of CVG Airport Mar 30, 2022

In honor of Women's History Month, Chellie is joined by Candace McGraw, CEO of the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). Candace is also the new Vice Chair of ACI World, the association of the world’s airports. In this episode, Chellie and Candace celebrate women pioneers in aviation such as Bessie Raiche, Harriet Quimby, Bessie Coleman, The Betsy Ross Air Corps, Helen Richey and Amelia Earhart… just to name a few. It’s because of the path paved by these amazing women that Chellie and Candace were able to pursue careers in aviation. Chellie and Candace speak about their unique professional development and provide insight to inspire future generations who may want to pursue careers in aviation.

To learn more about Candace and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, please visit cvgairport.com

And to learn more Philadelphia International Airport, please visit PHL.org/newsroom

BREAKING BARRIERS IN AVIATION - Lt Col (Ret) Michael Hales Feb 28, 2022

The Tuskegee Airmen were the first Black military pilots in U.S. military service, operating between 1940 and 1946 as the 99th Pursuit Squadron. Despite earning an exemplary record while fighting the enemy abroad during World War II, these men faced racism and discrimination at home. Flying some 1,600 missions and destroying over 260 enemy aircraft, the Tuskegee Airmen helped lay the foundation for President Harry S. Truman’s decision to desegregate the armed forces in 1948.

Delaware State University (DSU) in Dover, DE, held a key position in developing the squadron that would become known as the Tuskegee Airmen. As U.S. involvement in WWII rose, DSU’s aviation program was designated one of six historically black colleges and universities added to the government-sponsored Civilian Pilot Training Program. Some of DSU’s student pilots became the first Black military flyers after training at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama.

While DSU’s aviation program languished after WWII, it was restarted in 1987. Since then, the school’s planes have been painted with red tails, which have become a symbol of the Tuskegee Airmen and the planes they flew in World War II.

In this episode, which was recorded during Black History Month in February 2022, Chellie speaks with Lt. Col. (Ret) Michael Hales, DSU’s Director of Aviation Programs. Lt. Col. Hales brings an insatiable passion for all things aviation and a bold strategic vision for the future of the program – which includes training a pipeline of pilots and aviation professionals of color.

To learn more about Lieutenant Colonel Michael Hales and Delaware State University, please visit DESU.edu. And to learn more Philadelphia International Airport, please visit phl.org/newsroom.

PHL is on the Front Lines to Prevent Human Trafficking Jan 28, 2022

January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. The COVID-19 pandemic has done little to slow this form of modern-day slavery. Instead, traffickers have taken advantage of the global crisis to continue targeting adults and children. Airports are a key point of access for traffickers, who use airports - as well as other transportation hubs, including train and bus stations - to scout for and move their victims. PHL is committed to working with relevant agencies and organizations, including the U.S. Departments of Homeland Security (DHS) and Transportation (DOT), to address this horrible crime. Recognizing the signs of human trafficking is the first step in helping to stop it. In this episode, Chellie is joined by PHL’s Jason Sankey and Jonathan Todd to discuss how PHL employees and the public can help to spot, intervene, and stop human trafficking. To learn more about the steps Philadelphia International Airport is taking to stop Human Trafficking and how you can help, please visit https://www.phl.org/newsroom/wearblue

Exceptional Employee: Heather Redfern Dec 24, 2021

In the Department of Aviation, we use the acronym P.R.I.D.E. to describe our daily commitment to our customers and our co-workers, as well as our mission to connect Philadelphia to the world.
The letters stand for:

P-People First

R-Respect

I- Integrity

D-Diversity

E- Excellence

2020 was a year unlike any other. We navigated a devastating global pandemic that fundamentally transformed the travel, tourism and aviation industries, all while keeping our passengers, our colleagues and our community safe. This episode is part of our “Exceptional Employees” series – and the exceptional employees who keep us moving.

The PRIDE awards recognize individuals who have been nominated by their colleagues for exhibiting one or more of the DOA’s core values. In this episode, Chellie speaks to Heather Redfern, the 2020 recipient of “Integrity” award.

To learn more about Philadelphia International Airport and to learn more about our exceptional employees, please visit phl.org.

Exceptional Employee: Nicole Maddox Dec 24, 2021

In the Department of Aviation, we use the acronym P.R.I.D.E. to describe our daily commitment to our customers and our co-workers, as well as our mission to connect Philadelphia to the world.
The letters stand for:

P-People First

R-Respect

I- Integrity

D-Diversity

E- Excellence

2020 was a year unlike any other. We navigated a devastating global pandemic that fundamentally transformed the travel, tourism and aviation industries, all while keeping our passengers, our colleagues and our community safe. This episode is part of our “Exceptional Employees” series – and the exceptional employees who keep us moving.

The PRIDE awards recognize individuals who have been nominated by their colleagues for exhibiting one or more of the DOA’s core values. In this episode, Chellie talks to Nicole Maddox - Executive Assistant on PHL’s Revenue team and a 2020 recipient of “Integrity” award.

To learn more about Philadelphia International Airport and to learn more about our exceptional employees, please visit phl.org.

Exceptional Employee: Alec Gever Dec 24, 2021

In the Department of Aviation, we use the acronym P.R.I.D.E. to describe our daily commitment to our customers and our co-workers, as well as our mission to connect Philadelphia to the world.

The letters stand for:

P-People First

R-Respect

I- Integrity

D-Diversity

E- Excellence

2020 was a year unlike any other. We navigated a devastating global pandemic that fundamentally transformed the travel, tourism and aviation industries, all while keeping our passengers, our colleagues and our community safe. This episode is part of our “Exceptional Employees” series – and the exceptional employees who keep us moving.

The PRIDE awards recognize individuals who have been nominated by their colleagues for exhibiting one or more of the DOA’s core values. In this episode, Chellie chats with the 2020 recipient of the “People” award, Alec Gever.

To learn more about Philadelphia International Airport and to learn more about our exceptional employees, please visit phl.org.

Infrastructure Funding for Airports with Shane Doud Nov 03, 2021

As legislators in Congress continue to negotiate historic infrastructure legislation to fund investments in transportation networks across America, we brought in Shane Doud, PHL's Director of Government Affairs, to help us better understand the implications for airports - particularly PHL. At the time of this recording, the final bill had not yet been put up for a vote. To learn more about Philadelphia International Airport, please visit phl.org.

PHL VOLUNTEER NAVIGATORS PROGRAM Sep 13, 2021

Navigating an airport can be overwhelming, but a friendly face can put travelers at ease. For the past 20 years, members of the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) volunteer program have welcomed and assisted millions of guests who have passed through the airport’s terminals. And it’s only getting better! Joining Chellie in this episode to talk more about the recently expanded PHL Volunteer Navigators program is Christine Datesman, the program manager, and Leah Douglas, PHL's Director of Guest Experience. To learn more about the PHL Navigators Program, please visit PHL.org/volunteers or contact us at PHLVolunteers.contactus@phl.org for more information on volunteer opportunities.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Aug 03, 2021

Maintaining consistent engagement and communication with communities surrounding our airport is a priority for the City of Philadelphia - Division of Aviation. We are proactively working to build relationships with external stakeholders to build trust with residents and businesses in the surrounding community. Keesha Lane, PHL & PNE’s Assistant Director of Community Engagement and Outreach, joins Chellie to speak about these important efforts.

And to learn more about Philadelphia International Airport, please visit phl.org.

The Case For Cargo At PHL Jun 08, 2021

As recovery plans are well underway at PHL, this episode provides a glimpse into how we have pivoted during COVID. With a reduction in passenger service caused by COVID-19, PHL has been exploring additional sources of revenue generation, including increasing air cargo operations. Securing a larger share of east coast air cargo activity has been a part of PHL’s masterplan for several years. The COVID-19 pandemic has created urgency for PHL to grow cargo operations now. Joining Chellie in this episode to speak about everything cargo is Adam Mitchell, PHL’s Deputy Chief Revenue Officer. To learn more about our steps towards recovery at Philadelphia International Airport, please visit phl.org/newsroom.

TACKLING DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION AT PHL Apr 23, 2021

In this special episode of Taking Off with Chellie Cameron, Chellie speaks with Jonathan Todd, PHL’s Director of Workforce Development. This episode is focused on diversity, equity and inclusion – specifically, how the Airport strives to create an environment that supports and encourages diversity in the workplace and in our public spaces. To learn more please visit phl.org or email racialequity@phl.org

FLIPPING THE SCRIPT: AN INTERVIEW WITH CHELLIE CAMERON Feb 25, 2021

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the travel, tourism and aviation industries has been devastating. As recovery efforts take off, we want to give you an inside peek at the work PHL is doing to get back on track and to keep customers, stakeholders, and Division of Aviation employees safe. In a break from our normal podcast format during these unprecedented times, in this episode, PHL'sDirector of Communications, Florence Brown, is flipping the script to interview the City of Philadelphia’s Division of Aviation CEO Chellie Cameron. To learn more about our steps towards recovery at Philadelphia International Airport, please visit phl.org/newsroom.

Runway To Recovery: Rapidly Changing Passenger Behavior & Expectations Jun 10, 2020

The airport experience has changed significantly in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. Travelers will encounter this new airport experience from the moment they enter PHL, up until the time they arrive at their next destination. Understanding passenger’s rapidly changing behavior and expectations has been a crucial factor in the development of the steps we have taken, and will continue to take, to make guests feel safe and secure in our airport facility.

In this episode, PHL’s Director for Marketing and Branding, Kate Sullivan joins Chellie Cameron, CEO of the Philadelphia Division of Aviation, to talk about what has changed at PHL, and how these decisions were made.