News and resources for airport employees.
News and resources for airport employees.
Jeroen Bush Steps Up in an Emergency with Knowledge and Respect
Jeroen Bush (he/him) was on his break when he noticed a passenger fall ill, faint and become very sick. He quickly called the PDX Communication Center to report the emergency and provided vital information to assist the paramedics with the passenger’s care.
While waiting for the paramedics to arrive, Jeroen stood by and comforted the passenger. When it became clear that the passenger was in no shape to travel, he took it upon himself to track down the passenger’s checked baggage and have it removed from the aircraft prior to its departure.
A fellow PDX employee nominated Jeroen and said, “He didn’t have to stop and help in this situation, yet he sacrificed his own break time to help a passenger in need.”
Missed the last virtual awards ceremony? View the event recording or read about past winners on the PDX People website. You can also nominate an employee who embodies the PDX People values and serves as a shining example of great customer service for next quarter – submit a nomination now.
Nominate a PDX Employee
What's New with PDX Next: Digital Signage, Ticket Lobby, New Main Terminal and Concessions Updates
Digital Signage: To help you stay knowledgeable about nightly changes to baggage handling areas including bag road, OSCAR road and the baggage handling system, we're running a daily slide on the employee digital signage. You can find the signage at both north and south bypass doors in baggage claim and in the ticket lobby.
Ticket Lobby: Work continues in the ticket lobby area, and you may notice additional scissor lifts in front of the ticket counters this week, Monday through Thursday.
New Main Terminal Roof: Installation of the Y columns continues, and crews are taking advantage of efficiencies in the process to get additional work done when possible. This means crews will do additional work in already closed off areas if there is time. This won’t change much for you, though if you receive construction notifications, watch for those daily updates. Y column work is targeted for completion in late August.
In general, you can expect this work to happen Monday through Friday – and occasionally on Saturday – between 8 p.m. and 3 a.m. You may see closures to a few areas, including the restrooms by Gate D2, the freight elevator by Gate D2 and the D/E bypass door. If the bypass door is closed, signage – along with a spotter – will guide you to an alternate route. You can also use the D/E checkpoint, but remember, you can’t bring prohibited items through the checkpoint.
Concessions Updates: Have you been waffling about where to grab a bite to eat? Well, when Screen Door opens on Concourse B on Friday, Aug. 19, you can finally decide...on waffles! (Not to mention fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, and the rest of their southern-inspired menu.)
While they get up and running, hours will be limited: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. As always, construction has many unknowns and all openings are subject to change. Please be patient if there are unexpected hiccups.
Taqueria La Merced – out on the PDX roadway – is adjusting their hours this week due to hot weather. They will be open Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can find them on the south end of the lower roadway near pick up area one. Check out their current menu and keep in mind that you can always order in advance by calling 503.260.4210.
Looking for more PDX Next information? We're keeping you in the know on what's new on the PDX People website. Have questions or suggestions about construction? Email hello@pdxnext.com or call the construction hotline at 503.460.4339. 
August Events: Food, Games, Spirit Days and More!
Did you know there's a calendar of events on the PDX People website? It's the best way to keep track of upcoming celebrations and learning opportunities for all PDX employees.
Here's a roundup of some of the fun stuff coming this month: 
Good Coffee's Grand OpeningWednesday, Aug. 17, from 10 a.m. to 1p.m. Stop by for coffee and pastry samples, giveaways and to play PDX People plinko for amazing prizes and PDX People swag! 
FOD Walk: Two sessions on Friday, Aug. 19, from 11 a.m. to noon or 1 to 2 p.m. Enjoy food, fun and prizes while learning how eliminating FOD (foreign object debris) creates a safer airport for all of us. 
National Hawaiian Shirt Spirit Day: On Friday, Aug. 19, you're invited to join PDX – in partnership with the Port of Portland's Asian Pacific Islander Employee Resource Group – to celebrate National Hawaiian Shirt Day! If your workplace permits, show your tropical spirit with your favorite Hawaiian shirt or accessory. This day commemorates the date Hawaii became the 50th state of the United States. Take a picture, share on social media and tag Portland International Airport, or email your photos to PDX People Communications.
PDX Honored with Commercial Real Estate Transformer Award
PDX recently took home a 2022 Transformer Award, which honors truly exceptional commercial real estate projects impacting Oregon and SW Washington. As the Portland Business Journal said, "Our community is in a time of transformation, and our build community is leading the way. Oregon and Southwest Washington developers, contractors, architects, engineers and subcontractors are infusing innovation in the fiber of buildings throughout our community." Our award specifically noted Concourse B, with art installations by RYAN! Feddersen, massive windows, wood paneling and views of the airfield, as well as the new rental car center, which eliminates the need for travelers to take a shuttle in a time when convenience comes at a premium. 
Portland International Airport Project ‘Looking Up’
Everyone hates getting stuck at the airport, but maybe not if that airport is PDX. Our airport is a reflection of the region. Shops and restaurants are local favorites with street pricing, so it feels like you’re experiencing the real Pacific Northwest. Even with the construction, limited pre-security shops and the removal of the post-security concourse connector, the airport retains its appeal, especially with the remodeled Concourse B and extended Concourse E. Now, three million board feet of lumber later, the main terminal’s new 392,000-square-foot, curved roof is complete and ready to be moved from the roof fabrication yard, three-quarters of a mile down the tarmac to the main terminal. Read the Columbian article for more of what you'll look up to in 2024.
Honoring the World's Indigenous Peoples
Did you know Aug. 9 is designated as International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples? This day is intended to encourage learning about Indigenous Peoples and engaging on a deeper level. Indigenous means originating in and continuing to live in a particular region. We celebrate this opportunity to learn more about Indigenous Peoples of the world, engage on a deeper level, then use the information we learn and apply it in the work we do. Learn more about International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples.
Carrie, Alaska Airlines, shows off the Look Up PDX prize bag.
PDX in Pictures
Last month we launched a contest exclusive to PDX employees with the opportunity to win a prize package themed around "Look Up PDX." As you likely know, there’ll be a few reasons to look up in 2024, when PDX’s new main terminal opens. You’ll see designs inspired by a walk in the forest and a curvy roof, created and built in the Pacific Northwest.
So we wanted to know: What are you looking up to? These three lucky winners all shared their excitement about what's to come: 
"The beauty of the unique indoor forest and newness." – Carrie (Alaska Airlines)
"A brighter, more open ticket lobby."  – Cristofer (American Airlines)
"All of the new food options! Especially Screen Door." – Kara (McGee)
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