TAKING OFF with PHL

Philadelphia International Airport

About

Taking Off with PHL is a rare glimpse into the aviation industry from inside one of the busiest airports in the United States. Exploring consumer trends, the latest in airport improvements, the passenger experience, new aviation and airport technology – if it has to do with aviation, Taking Off is talking to those who are making it happen!

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54 episodes

PHL Fire Chief Kamau Bright

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 https://phl.org/ 

14m
Feb 28
Meet Philadelphia’s Department of Aviation’s New CEO Atif Saeed

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 https://phl.org/  

9m
Jan 31
Exceptional Employee: John Glass

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 https://www.phl.org

6m
Dec 27, 2022
Exceptional Employee: David Rosenblum

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 https://www.phl.org

6m
Dec 27, 2022
What To Expect During The Holiday Travel Season

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 http://phl.org/

15m
Nov 17, 2022
DEPARTMENT OF AVIATION BALLOT MEASURE

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.

9m
Oct 20, 2022
Celebrating PRIDE 365 With Philadelphia Gay News Publisher Mark Segal

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 https://epgn.com And to learn more about Philadelphia International Airport please visit phl.org http://phl.org

15m
Sep 30, 2022
PHL 5K On the Runway

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 https://phl.org/phl5k

12m
Aug 22, 2022
CHELLIE CAMERON PASSES THE HOSTING MIC OF TAKING OFF TO INTERIM CEO KEITH BRUNE

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 https://phl.org/newsroom

13m
Jun 30, 2022
Celebrating AAPI Month With Khine Zaw AACCGP President and CEO

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

23m
May 31, 2022
SUMMER TRAVEL TRENDS WITH THE POINTS GUY

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

23m
Apr 28, 2022
Celebrating Women In Aviation - Candace McGraw CEO of CVG Airport

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 https://aci.aero/, 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 http://cvgairport.com And to learn more Philadelphia International Airport, please visit PHL.org/newsroom http://phl.org/newsroom

32m
Mar 30, 2022
BREAKING BARRIERS IN AVIATION - Lt Col (Ret) Michael Hales

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

48m
Feb 28, 2022
PHL is on the Front Lines to Prevent Human Trafficking

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

10m
Jan 28, 2022
Exceptional Employee: Heather Redfern

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 http://phl.org/.

12m
Dec 24, 2021
Exceptional Employee: Nicole Maddox

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 http://phl.org/.  

14m
Dec 24, 2021
Exceptional Employee: Alec Gever

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 http://phl.org/.

11m
Dec 24, 2021
Infrastructure Funding for Airports with Shane Doud

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 http://phl.org/.

15m
Nov 03, 2021
PHL VOLUNTEER NAVIGATORS PROGRAM

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 http://phl.org/volunteers or contact us at PHLVolunteers.contactus@phl.org for more information on volunteer opportunities.

11m
Sep 13, 2021
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

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 http://phl.org/.

14m
Aug 03, 2021
The Case For Cargo At PHL

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 http://phl.org/newsroom.

26m
Jun 08, 2021
Meet Philadelphia’s Commerce Director Michael Rashid

The Philadelphia Department of Commerce https://www.phila.gov/departments/department-of-commerce/ is working to revitalize our communities and support Philadelphia businesses—both large and small—that have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Commerce Department's Division of Aviation (DOA) operates PHL and PNE, which share in the City’s commitment to making opportunities available to small and diverse businesses, the backbone of our local economy. Joining Chellie in this episode is Commerce Director, Michael Rashid, to discuss the airport’s role in the ongoing recovery of the Greater Philadelphia region. To learn more about how the airport is contributing to the revitalization of the region, please visit phl.org/newsroom http://phl.org/newsroom  

19m
May 05, 2021
TACKLING DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION AT PHL

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 http://phl.org/ or email racialequity@phl.org

24m
Apr 23, 2021
FLIPPING THE SCRIPT: AN INTERVIEW WITH CHELLIE CAMERON

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 http://phl.org/newsroom.

32m
Feb 25, 2021
Runway To Recovery: Rapidly Changing Passenger Behavior & Expectations

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. To learn more about our steps towards recovery at Philadelphia International Airport, please visit phl.org/newsroom http://phl.org/newsroom.

12m
Jun 10, 2020
Runway To Recovery: Maintaining & Cleaning The Airport

During COVID, PHL has remained open. Even though air travel had all but stopped, our essential Team PHL employees have been working around the clock maintaining and the cleaning the facility so that it’s ready when guests and fellow co-workers return to the airport.  Joining Chellie Cameron, CEO of the Philadelphia Division of Aviation, to talk about all that’s been happening behind the scenes, is PHL’s Deputy Director of Facilities Maintenance, Allan Moore. To learn more about our steps towards recovery at Philadelphia International Airport, please visit phl.org/newsroom http://phl.org/newsroom.

11m
Jun 03, 2020
Runway To Recovery: The ‘New Normal’ Workplace

During COVID, PHL has prioritized ensuring both guests as well as employees feel safe in the airport. An entire team is dedicated to the safety of our Division of Aviation employees who are coming back to work to serve our customers. Joining Chellie Cameron, CEO of the Philadelphia Division of Aviation, is Sheila Trueheart, Deputy Director of Administrative Operations, to talk about all the new protocols and policies being put in place as we prepare for our “new normal”  To learn more about our steps towards recovery at Philadelphia International Airport, please visit phl.org/newsroom http://phl.org/newsroom.

10m
May 27, 2020
Runway To Recovery: Contactless Food Ordering

The Grab platform was introduced at Philadelphia International Airport in 2019 as a convenience tool for travelers and employees to order food at the airport while on-the-go. In the COVID-19 world, Grab is helping to promote physical distancing and safety by allowing customers to avoid queuing in crowded lines and limiting high-touch interactions for restaurant staff and guests. In this episode, Chellie Cameron, CEO of the Philadelphia Division of Aviation, talks to Jeff Livney, Grab’s Chief Experience Officer, to discuss how the contactless food ordering platform is enhancing guest and employee health and safety, as well as what to expect in the future.   For more information on Grab at PHL, please visit orderatphl.com http://orderatphl.com/ To learn more about our steps towards recovery at Philadelphia International Airport, please visit phl.org/newsroom http://phl.org/newsroom.

9m
May 20, 2020
Runway To Recovery: Redefining The Guest Experience

When it is safe to travel again, the airport experience will look very different for passengers. COVID-19 is creating a new normal at PHL with safety measures such as safety shields, masks, and decals indicating where to queue throughout the airport. In this episode of the “Runway to Recovery” series, Leah Douglas, PHL’s Director of Guest Experience joins Chellie Cameron, CEO of the Philadelphia Division of Aviation, for a discussion on the steps PHL has taken to enhance guest and employee health and safety, and what to expect in the future.  To learn more about our steps towards recovery at Philadelphia International Airport, please visit phl.org/newsroom http://phl.org/newsroom.

9m
May 13, 2020
Runway To Recovery: Charting A New Path For Air Service

Welcome to this special series, Runway to Recovery. This series focuses on what is happening at Philadelphia International Airport during COVID, and all that is going on behind the scenes as we prepare to welcome back our customers. In this series, Chellie Cameron, CEO of the Philadelphia Division of Aviation, introduces you to all the amazing people working so hard during this time. Given the reduced demand for passenger travel, many airlines have taken on additional cargo operations. We are proud to open our gates to flights transporting much-needed medical supplies, food and dry goods to Philadelphia and locations across the country and around the world, which will help those impacted by COVID-19. In this episode, Chellie discusses recent changes to cargo and air service that will affect the post-COVID-19 aviation industry with PHL’s Director of Air Service Development and Cargo Services, Stephanie Wear. To learn more about our steps towards recovery at Philadelphia International Airport, please visit phl.org/newsroom http://phl.org/newsroom.

14m
May 06, 2020