Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE) are, without a doubt, major contributors to the local economy.
Together, they bring an impressive $18.7 billion to the Philadelphia region annually.
According to a recent study by Econsult Solutions, these airports support 102,600 jobs, which means $6.1 billion in wages for workers.
This shows just how important they are for travel but also the financial health of the area.
Because the airports operate as an enterprise fund under the City of Philadelphia, they don’t rely on taxpayer money.
Instead, they generate all their funding through fees and revenues from their operations.
This self-sufficient setup allows them to focus entirely on creating value for the region without straining local budgets.
When you break it down, the study explains the impact of airports on three main tiers.
First, there’s Tier 1, which covers direct activities like flights, airport facilities, and airline operations, including everything that supports the nearly 80,000 passengers traveling through the airports each day and the cargo moving in and out.
Next, Tier 2 includes the surrounding industries that depend on airport activity, such as hotels, restaurants, transportation, and warehousing.
Finally, Tier 3 focuses on the wider benefits, like the tourism dollars brought in by the 400 daily nonstop flights to 120 destinations.
Even better is how much the airports’ impact spreads into the surrounding communities.
More than half of the people working airport-related jobs live in the nearby 11-county region.
Their paychecks go right back into the local economy when they pay for things like groceries, housing, and entertainment.
Additionally, the airports collect $547 million in state and local taxes every year, including income taxes, sales taxes, and business taxes at the city and state levels.
All this revenue helps fund important public services like schools, roads, and emergency services.
Another way PHL and PNE make a difference is through their commitment to diversity and inclusion.
For instance, the airports have a diverse workforce of over 17,000 badged employees.
As the region looks ahead to 2025, the airports prepare for a big year of high-profile events.
From May 7-11, the PGA Truist Championship will be held at the Philadelphia Cricket Club.
In June, the FIFA Club World Cup matches will bring soccer fans to Lincoln Financial Field.
Later, in October, the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps will celebrate their 250th anniversary with a parade of military ships along the Delaware River and related events throughout Philadelphia.
The airports’ role in welcoming these guests and ensuring smooth travel experiences is central to the success of these events.
Beyond events, PHL and PNE are fostering community connections and internal growth.
Employee resource groups like GOLD Pros and Women of Color in Aviation are providing spaces for mentorship, support, and networking.
In 2025, they’re starting a new group for men over 40 to keep building community and inclusion.
The airports also ensure their team is ready for the future with new training and development programs.
Orientation for new employees, leadership workshops, and skills training are all part of the plan to strengthen and prepare the workforce for handling the challenges of a growing industry.
At the same time, security remains a top priority.
The Information Security Department is working hard to protect sensitive data by promoting better password management and multi-factor authentication.
With all these efforts, PHL and PNE are engines of growth for the entire region.
They create jobs, boost the economy, bring visitors to the area, and foster a sense of community among their employees.
As they prepare for the future, their focus on innovation, teamwork, and inclusivity will keep them at the forefront of progress, benefiting the entire region and beyond.
