In 1940, when air traffic was nominal, Philadelphia Municipal Airport opened and operated under the belief that “the sky’s the limit.” Within its first year, the airport saw 40,000 passengers and primarily flew two-motor Douglas DC-3 21-passenger planes with no noted airspace congestions (PHL History, 2015). Delays were unheard of even after the airport converted into Philadelphia International Airport in 1945. As time went on, rapid growth plagued the airport as virtually every major mode of transportation was found within the boarders of the airport, including railways, waterways, and highways (PHL History, 2015). To keep up with traffic demands, the airfield constructed a massive airport modernization development, which …show more content…
These runways serviced the airport for 20 years until the demand increased for yet another runway (8/26). The improvements continued into the 21st Century as Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) added seven terminals, SEPTA rail line, runway expansion (17/35), and a new state of the art cargo facility (PHL History, 2015). Today, PHL ranks 15th busiest in the world in terms of aircraft movements and is a major hub for American Airlines and UPS (PHL Facts, 2015). The airport generates more than $14.4 billion in spending to the regional economy and accounts for more than 141,000 jobs (PHL Facts, 2015). More than 26 million individuals pass through PHL each year thanks to its ability to host 29 different carriers through a lease gate agreement that’s far less than JFK and LGA (PHL Facts, 2015). AIRPORT DEMAND International travel is desirable amongst Americans; in fact over 3 million people have already traveled abroad this year (U.S. DOT, 2015). While International travel is attractive, non- stop International travel is even more enviable. PHL hosts 29 different airline carriers …show more content…
AIRSPACE AND AIRPORT SOLUTIONS In an effort to improve the 4th most delayed airport in the country, the FAA stepped in and issued a record of decision approving PHL’s Capacity Enhancement Program. The Capacity Enhancement Program is a comprehensive construction program designed to expand and modernize Philadelphia International Airport (PHL CEP, 2015). The CEP is anticipated to resolve issues that have constrained one of the most crucial bubs by improving operational efficiency, connectivity, and customer experience. The improvement is a crucial opportunity for the airport as it will strengthen their reputation not only with their airline partners but also elevate their status as a global hub. The CEP will enable the airport to grow thus allowing them to meet future demands and help remedy some of the issues facing the airport today. The multimillion dollar CEP includes: a 1,500 foot runway extension that will enable easier access for larger aircraft traveling the longest international routes, airfield taxiway improvements