Russian aviation officials visit Philadelphia International Airport

Russian aviation officials, including a deputy director from the Federal Air Transport Agency in Moscow, met with officials at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) on April 13th in order to learn more about various sectors of airport operations as Russia prepares to welcome visitors for the 2014 Winter Olympics.

The delegation met with Airport CEO Mark Gale and senior Airport staff members for several hours. Gale gave the group a detailed presentation that focused on Airport security, PHL’s award-winning concessions program, widely acclaimed Exhibitions Program and the Capacity Enhancement Program. The visitors also toured the Airport complex.

Philadelphia International was one of 5 airports the Russian aviation officials visited on their tour of the United States. The group visit was part of the U.S. government’s International Visitor Leadership Program. The International Visitor’s Council of Philadelphia was the local sponsor.

“They were very interested in learning about Airport operations, particularly security and customer service programs, and how we are preparing to meet future air service demands,” Gale noted. “Hosting a major event like the Olympics involves tremendous coordination and planning for an airport to ensure that things run smoothly and the airport experience is a positive one. We were very pleased to share our knowledge and ideas, and were proud to have had the opportunity to help our Russian aviation colleagues as they prepare for the 2014 Winter Olympics.”

The visit was the third time since last summer that PHL officials hosted a foreign aviation delegation. In 2010, the Capital Airports Holding Company, an affiliate of the Civil Aviation Administration of China, sent groups to visit PHL in August and December.

Philadelphia International Airport is owned and operated by the City of Philadelphia. The Airport is a self-sustaining entity that operates without the use of local tax dollars. It is one of the largest economic engines in Pennsylvania, generating an estimated $14.4 billion in spending to the regional economy and accounting for more than 141,000 jobs.

Visit the official Philadelphia International Airport website at http://www.phl.org