News and resources for airport employees.
News and resources for airport employees.
Phil Kudelka and Steven Bradshaw Take Steps to Help Passengers
On the second day of operations at the new Rental Car Center, the elevators went out of service. Phil Kudelka (he/him) and Steven Bradshaw (he/him) jumped into action, helping take care of travelers with heavy luggage who were unfortunately forced to use the stairs.
Both Phil and Steve got a great workout that day! Phil even took a passenger in a wheelchair from the first floor, all the way up the auto ramp to the fourth floor, then over to the terminal.
Phil and Steve were honored at the PDX People Customer Service Awards, where we recognize airport employees who truly stand out as extraordinary. Missed the virtual awards ceremony? View the event recording or read about past winners. 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: Noise Update, Ticket Lobby, Concourse B Roof and Concessions Update
Noise Update: This week will be similar to last week, with the most noticeable noise in the center of the ticket lobby. Active work hours are now Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (day shift), and Monday through Friday from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. (night shift).
Ticket Lobby: You’ll notice some overhead work this week, but the metal roof cutting from last week is complete.
Concourse B: Roof work over Concourse B continues. The roof activities use tar, which may cause some odors during work hours. Crews installed air filters and adjusted air intake systems to help reduce any smells inside the concourse. Roof work is weather dependent, which may affect hours, active days and the anticipated completion date
Concessions UpdateJackson Shine Co. opens their second location next Monday, June 20. The new storefront is on Concourse E, between Gates E5 and E6, and hours will be Monday through Friday, 6 to 10 a.m.
Taqueria La Merced adds two evening visits this week: Wednesday, June 15 and Thursday, June 16 from 7 p.m. to midnight. As a reminder, their daytime hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., and they're located on the south end of the lower roadway near pick up area one. Check out their current menu and keep an eye on the roadway, as hours of operation may continue to evolve to best meet customer needs. 
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.
Meet Portland Airport Fire and Rescue's New Chief Rob Mathis
For Rob Mathis, stepping into the role of fire chief for Portland Airport Fire and Rescue is the realization of a life-long dream and the culmination of three decades of experience, dedication and service. As he moves into his new role, he’s focused on ensuring his team members are able perform their duties safely and to the best of their abilities with the right equipment, the right training and the right staffing. Read the full interview with Fire Chief Rob Mathis.
Travel Picks Up at PDX This Summer 
Summer travel is typically the busiest time of year at PDX, and this summer is no exception. The airport will be busy, international flights have resumed and airport construction continues. June has the highest daily average passenger totals – there are 10 days where more than 50,000 travelers are expected at PDX. In fact, the single busiest day was yesterday, when we expected more than 51,000 travelers and saw the highest number of passengers since Feb. 7, 2020. Overall, however, the season’s travel volumes remain below pre-pandemic numbers. As always, the best travel tip to share with friends and family: Get to the airport early!
Closures of Westbound I-84 Planned for TriMet’s
‘A Better Red’ Project
Heads up: A two-mile stretch of westbound I-84 near the I-205 interchange will close from 10 p.m. Friday, June 24, through 4 a.m. Monday, June 27, to allow crews to perform construction for a new light rail bridge over the freeway. Nighttime closures will also occur leading up to and immediately following the weekend shutdown. The closures are part of TriMet’s “A Better Red” MAX Red Line extension and improvements project. During the weekend shutdown, crews will drill a 102-foot-deep shaft for the new light rail bridge’s foundation next to I-84. Once completed, the bridge will add another set of tracks to carry MAX Red Line trains through the Gateway area, helping to alleviate bottlenecks there and improve reliability across the MAX system. TriMet’s bus and MAX service will not be affected by the work.
Show Your Spirit for Pride Month
You're invited to join PDX in celebrating Pride Month! If your workplace permits, you're encouraged to dress up on Thursday, June 16, in support and allyship. It can be an outfit, a t-shirt, a headband – whatever feels comfortable and work appropriate.
Between noon and 1 p.m. on that Thursday, watch out for Port of Portland employees, walking the terminal handing out rainbow-themed candy and fliers about gender inclusion outside the gender binary as well as tips and tricks to incorporate pronouns.
Share your photos on social media with the hashtag #FlyPDXPride!
You're Invited: Willamette Cove Environmental Field Day 
This Port of Portland sponsored event on Saturday, June 25, is a great opportunity for you and your family to learn about the science behind environmental cleanups and get the latest updates on plans for Willamette Cove. The free event will feature exploration stations, opportunities to meet the team working to clean up Willamette Cove, and hands-on activities and demos. Head to Eventbrite to register and learn more about planned activities.
PDX in Pictures 
Last week we celebrated the restart of Air Canada’s seasonal nonstop flight to Toronto. Did you know Air Canada has been serving PDX for more than 30 years, beginning with nonstop flights to Vancouver?
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