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Respect Guides Ashley Boren’s Customer Service
Ashley Boren (she/her) with Bags, Inc. was nominated by a PDX traveler:
"Ashley was kind and courteous from the very beginning of our interaction. She asked if I needed a wheelchair – rather than assuming I did – and when I said I didn’t, she respected that without question.
I travel with a guide dog and, in many cases, it’s easier to have a sighted guide assist alongside the dog. Ashley was more than happy to help. She accompanied both me and my guide dog to the pet relief area and even made sure I had extra waste bags for the road. Throughout our time together, she was friendly, engaging, and made great conversation.
I’ll be requesting Ashley in the future. She ensured we got to the correct gate and stayed with us until she was certain I had everything I needed. I also appreciated her letting me know about this portal for sharing positive feedback with airport staff. From now on, I’ll be using it regularly – there are so many kind, dedicated employees at PDX who deserve recognition. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share this experience."
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What's New with PDX Next: Crane Pick and NE Air Cargo Road Impacts
Crane Pick: Crews will use a crane to place materials on the roof of the south node starting today – Monday, May 12 – through Wednesday, May 14. During crane operations, the south pedestrian bypass will be closed from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. each night. An alternate exit route will be available during these closures and open to everyone. Access to Concourse B through this alternate route will be limited to Alaska/Horizon, Bags Inc., Relay Resources, and emergency responders only.
NE Air Cargo Road Construction: Starting Thursday, May 15, roadwork impacts will begin on NE Air Cargo Road between the PDX Cargo Center and the intersection at NE 82nd Way. The project includes road widening, a dedicated right turn lane, as well as improvements to traffic signals, accessibility, and safety. Expect delays due to partial lane closures and flagging during construction. Full lane closures won't begin until next month, and construction continues through November.
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.
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Building a Strong Airport Safety Management System
At PDX, safety guides everything we do. To strengthen this commitment, we're implementing an airport Safety Management System (SMS) – a proactive approach to identifying and managing risks in the air operations area. While SMS is required under FAA regulations (14 CFR Part 139), our goal is to go beyond compliance and build a strong, collaborative safety culture that protects everyone who works at or travels through PDX.
What does this mean for you? In the near future, we’ll launch a confidential (except as required by Oregon Public Records Law or other applicable law) hazard reporting system, making it even easier to share safety concerns.
For now, if you notice a potential safety concern in the Air Operations Area (AOA), please reach out to our SMS team at SMS@flypdx.com. Every report is reviewed and helps us improve how we operate, and your input is essential to keeping PDX safe for everyone. Learn more about SMS.
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Be Respectful: Using the Trash Compactor and Spring Cleanup Event
Being respectful is a PDX People core value, including your actions toward travelers, other airport workers, and even shared spaces. With that in mind, keeping the waste areas organized and sorting your trash properly is part of maintaining a clean and safe airport environment.
Let’s crush it this week – literally! We’re diving into some top tips for using the trash compactor like a pro:
- Don’t overfill the compactor. Load waste only up to the yellow line marked on the side (check the decals). Overloading can prevent the compactor from operating properly and may cause jams.
- Run the compactor every time you add waste. This keeps the machine clear and ready for the next person. Your co-workers will appreciate it.
- Check to see if the compactor is full before loading. If it is, start the compactor and wait about four minutes to see if it clears.
- If the compactor doesn’t clear, call the maintenance number listed on the machine. Take your trash with you and return later – do not leave trash on the walkway.
Want to “talk trash” with the waste minimization team and be knowledgeable about the process? Your manager can book a training with the team by emailing lesswaste@portofportland.com.
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PDX Resilience Triennial Drill Happens Wednesday
On Wednesday, May 14, PDX will be participating in a full-scale disaster drill: PDX Resilience. This is a wonderful opportunity to practice our collaboration with other agencies and organizations, and ensure we’re ready to respond in case of emergency. Among the things we'll be testing: fire and medical response, public alerts and communication procedures, and activating and staffing a Friends and Relatives Center.
Throughout the day, you might see the exercise in action – please don’t be alarmed and know that our team is working hard to ensure the safety and security of the airport, employees, and travelers.
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OPB: At Work With…PDX Wildlife's Nick Atwell
When most people think of airports, they picture security lines, baggage claims, and maybe air traffic control towers. They might not realize that there's a team at PDX keeping watch over an entirely different type of traffic – the feathered kind. One of those people is Nick Atwell, Port of Portland Natural Resources Senior Manager, who's part of a team of six biologists working to keep birds and planes from crossing paths. For this installment of OPB's "At Work With," reporter Lillian Karabaic rode along with Nick to learn what it's like to be an airport wildlife technician.
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PDX in Pictures
Last week we held a job fair – and wow, did people show up! The place was buzzing with energy, curious minds, and future PDX People eager to join the team. A huge shoutout to everyone who helped get the word out, and major thanks to all our amazing partners who came out to support the event.
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