With self-deprecating humor, Mark Gale acknowledges he’s been part of the Philadelphia International Airport landscape for almost half of its 75 years as a commercial aviation center. Gale, the airport’s CEO since 2009, began his affiliation with PHL as an intern in 1985. That’s 30 years of first-person experience, a unique perspective for someone at the helm of one of the United States’ busiest airports.

“One of the most interesting changes for me goes back to when I started working at the airport in 1985. I worked on an extreme side of the airport in what we used to call the overseas terminal,” said Gale, who went on to describe what was, at the time, arriving international passengers’ first impression of Philadelphia.

Picture this: four old hangars gutted and slapped together into one structure located in a far corner of the airport property. To get to the main terminal, arriving passengers had to walk about a quarter of a mile, luggage in tow, through a parking lot to board a bus for a 15-minute ride to the airport hub.

What a difference a decade (or three) makes.

Since 2000, PHL invested $2 billion in capital improvements — including major airfield, terminal and cargo projects — that have transformed its landscape, enhanced passenger experiences and bolstered its position as a player in the global air service landscape.

In April, PHL marked another milestone when it reached a settlement with surrounding townships and districts, clearing the way for enhancements outlined in a multibillion-dollar master development plan that will improve and modernize the airport over the next 12 to 15 years. Approved projects include a 1,500-foot runway extension to accommodate more long-haul flights; an automated inter-terminal people mover; a consolidated rental car facility; and redesigned terminals to streamline ticketing, baggage screening and security screening.

In the meantime, Philadelphia International Airport strives to meet the demands of 21st-century business and leisure travelers. Located within easy access (by rail and road) to downtown Philadelphia, the airport also offers an array of traveler-friendly services including a recently expanded (and complimentary) WiFi network; UPS access for business services; and Minute Suites, private retreats available to rent by the hour with increases in 15-minute increments.

Asked to describe the Philadelphia International Airport of 2025, Gale said future development will proceed according to a carefully planned timeline. That’s a departure from its first 75 years, when the drive to address immediate needs took precedence over long-term planning.

“Time flies,” said Gale. “Whether we’re talking about the airport of 2025 or 2030. … We’ll look back and say we have dramatically improved the experience at Philadelphia International Airport.”