PHL getting spruced up for pope, DNC

Philadelphia International Airport is getting ready for the arrival of of two big groups of people and worried about making a good impression.

Airport Chief Executive Officer Mark Gale says his team is doing everything necessary to make the airport ready for this fall’s papal visit and next year’s Democratic National Convention.

“TSA, the airlines the FAA, folks that handle private airplanes that may be flying in and out of our facilities to try and collaboratively prepare  for what is going to come our way,” he said.

Gale says carpeting, chairs, lighting, signage, paint, information displays are going to be spruced up to ensure they are in the best shape they can be or will get  replaced in advance.

He plans to help with employee attitude as part of the upgrade.

“Working on customer service issues and attitudes with out employees to make sure that as folks arrive at Philadelphia International Airport or depart, they receive the proper welcome or sendoff through our facility as our gateway to our region.”

The goal is to be sure that when people do come to Philadelphia the airport makes a good first impression.