It took years for the problems in PHL to get where it is today, so nothing will be solved overnight.
Main elements of the infrastructure in PHL are ATC, facilities, employee’s and management.
ATC, trying to fit a size 12 foot into a size 9 shoe, you could walk around in the shoe but it will slow you down and be constantly painful. The pain of the walk takes your mind off the destination. Use flights wisely. No matter what is attempted, any increase in flights causes more problems, but more importantly decreases safety margin.
Facilities, baggage handling from drop off to pick up, aircraft support equipment, push back and taxi to gate procedures and employee support. Logistics.
Employee’s, hiring practice, retention and accountability. You should be paid slightly more at larger facilities to attract employees who are qualified to handle the increased stress and cost of living. ATC controllers are paid more at the busier airports. Call it combat pay if you will.
Management on site. It is a well known fact that after 5pm and on weekends and holidays there are too many Indians, not enough Chiefs in PHL. When the cats away…. Hire a General Patton and pay him well. This will be an important investment.
PHL is a company within a company. It needs its own specialized infrastructure to operate efficiently. Getting advice from some retired airline management would provide painful but needed outside opinions.
We have a new management team that is talented, but they are transitioning from running a regional company to managing a world wide one. They must occasionally listen to the Grey Beards, while bringing in their own innovative ideas.
