The future looks sunny for Philadelphia International Airport as it anticipates a record year in passenger volume and flight movements and begins planning for the future of passenger convenience and experience.

From 2018 to 2019, the airport enjoyed a 4 percent increase in total passenger volume and a 3.1 percent increase in total plane movements. If everything continues according to internal airport projections, the airport will celebrate its busiest year yet, according to Rochelle Cameron, CEO, Philadelphia International Airport.

Record-breaking numbers are a big deal for the airport. As Jim Tyrell, chief revenue officer explained, Philadelphia International is one of several major airports in the region. Passengers flying out of the area have several choices, including New York (JFK);Newark (EWR); and Washington, D.C. (IAD). Philadelphia is the only airport in the region focused on the oneworld alliance, making it the airport of choice for passengers frequently flying affiliated airlines, including American Airlines.

In an effort to continue the passenger and movement growth, the airport just announced the appointment of Stephanie Wear as the first director of air service development. In the new role, Wear is responsible for building and strengthening relationships with carriers, airports and aviation and cargo organizations in the effort of fostering growth toward new destinations, said Florence Brown, director of communications, Philadelphia International Airport.

One of the big changes coming to the airport in 2020 is its renewed focus on guest experiences. Walking through the terminals, it’s clear improvements are already underway. From Terminal B’s technological integration to the lactation pods, express spas and minute suites found throughout the airport, change is underway. The airport is home to 170 shopping and dining spaces, with the overall goal of bringing a taste of Philly into the airport. Local staples like Tony Luke’s and Geno’s Steaks join additions like Bud & Marilyn’s to offer full tastes of the city to travelers, even if they are only stopping in for a layover.

This year, the airport is introducing a new Guest Experience Department.  “We want to be the airport that people want to fly out of,” Tyrell explained.

Leah Douglas, director, and Elizabeth Moselle, assistant director, are leading the new department. The team’s first project pulled together representatives from each department of the Division of Aviation to plan the department’s first steps and goals as far as guest experience goes, Brown said.

In the beginning of January, the airport celebrated Boeing 787 Dreamliner service, under American Airlines, for the first time. American Airlines is also improving its overall record at the airport. According to Jim Moses, vice president, Philadelphia hub operations, American Airlines, the airline improved departure time performance by 8.6 percent and on-time arrivals by 7.9 percent in 2019. The airline had 8,000 fewer flight delays and 1,000 fewer outright cancellations in 2019, Moses said.

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