Philadelphia International Airport Receives Industry Accolades from Airports Council International
The Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) was recognized by Airports Council International North America (ACI-NA) with "Best Social Media Campaign" in the public relations category among large airports in North America. Additionally, the airport’s concession program, PHL Food & Shops, received the "Partnering with Concessionaires/Service Providers" award in the customer experience category.
The ACI-NA Excellence in Airport Concessions Contest is held annually to recognize innovative and outstanding airport concessions throughout the United States and Canada. These awards demonstrate the growing importance of concessions to the total airport experience. The winners were announced during the 2021 ACI-NA Airport Concessions Conference and Exhibition in Reno, Nevada, on Nov. 7, which was attended by hundreds of representatives from the airport industry.
PHL was awarded the "Best Social Media Campaign." This category recognizes campaigns that connect people through social media and allows them to be integrated in a product, service or overall airport experience. As part of Black History Month, PHL implemented the PHL Black History Month social media and website campaign to amplify the voices of Black individuals, employees and business owners who are making a difference at PHL and across the aviation industry. These profiles discussed the employees’ backgrounds, their role at the airport and their advice to future generations who may pursue careers in aviation.
Additionally, PHL Food & Shops curated a campaign to spotlight Black authors at MarketPlace PHL. Displays were set up with QR codes encouraging customers to peruse featured books and enter for a chance to win one of their choice. The event was showcased on PHL Food & Shops’ and PHL’s social media pages.
Chickie’s & Pete’s and the Philadelphia Airport Marriott received the "Partnering with Concessionaires/Service Providers" award for their collaboration and providing an enhanced customer experience to travelers. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown, Chickie’s & Pete’s delivered meals to hundreds of guests staying at the Marriott through PHL’s contactless ordering and delivery program, OrderAtPHL.com.
The Philadelphia Airport Marriott, attached to PHL, remained open during the pandemic but, due to locally enforced dining restrictions, was forced to suspend dining services. In response, PHL formed a strategic partnership with Marriott to provide room service delivery from Chickie’s & Pete’s to Marriott guests and employees. PHL and Marriott also secured partnerships with international cargo airlines that roomed crew members at the hotel between April and June, an arrangement that brought increased demand for room service food delivery.
Through the Chickie’s & Pete’s and Marriott partnership, PHL was able to achieve the ultimate goal of serving essential workers and passengers during a time of great need, exceeding all expectations.
"We’re proud to be a member of the PHL airport community and honored to be a part of these distinguished awards from ACI-NA," said Mel Hannah, vice president and general manager of MarketPlace PHL. "Our merchants are the key to providing great experiences to PHL passengers; we couldn’t have done this without their innovation, collaboration, and continued hard work and dedication."
Philadelphia favorite Chickie’s & Pete’s, located in Terminal A-West, Terminal C, the D/E Connector and Terminal E, offers travelers zesty menu options like its famous Crabfries, wings, cheesesteaks, salads, seafood, breakfast options and much more.
