PHL airport wants to be upgraded into its own city department

Local voters this November may get to decide whether Philadelphia International Airport becomes its own city department. There is a proposal in the works that might land on the ballot and, if passed, would elevate the city’s aviation division.

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The division of aviation, which oversees Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE), currently falls under the Department of Commerce. A proposal to change the city charter — backed by Mayor Jim Kenney and outgoing airport CEO Chellie Cameron — would turn the division into a standalone aviation department, with the director reporting to the mayor.

Airport officials say the change will help streamline operations at a division that manages one of the biggest budgets in the city. The head of the new department would have signing authority for grants and contracts, and more say over staffing. The aviation division’s $388 million operating budget is the third largest among city departments.

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