News and resources for airport employees.
News and resources for airport employees.
Natalia Al Jamal
Natalia Al Jamal Makes Friendly, Compassionate Service Easy to Find
Natalia Al Jamal (she/her) came to the rescue when a passenger needed assistance locating their missing luggage:
"We arrived at PDX on Icelandair. Due to extreme weather and an error in filing a claim, our luggage was missing for four days.
We came to the airport to try and trace our luggage. Natalia went out of her way to help us, despite working for another airline. She personally tracked down and loaded up our seven missing suitcases so we could take them home. She went above and beyond, exhibiting kindness, concern and a spirit of compassionate service that was truly appreciated. Thank you, Natalia!"
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
Overhead view of the current construciton on the PDX main terminal
What's New with PDX Next: Bag Road, Carousel Closures and January Forum
Bag Road: Work on main bag road is extended through Thursday, Feb. 9. Activity will be on the west lane of main bag road where it intersects with south bag road. One lane of south bag road will always remain open. 
Baggage Carousel Closures:  On Monday, Feb. 6, and Monday, Feb. 13, baggage carousel 8 will close from 4 to 8 a.m. while scaffolding is installed and then removed in the area. 
January Forum: If you missed the January PDX Next forum, you can watch the recording and catch up on the past year in review, see a video of the roof progress via drone footage, and learn about what's coming in 2023.
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.
Travelers are at the Heart of the Port’s Accessibility Program
When Pete De Vasto reflects on his role as a member of the PDX Access Committee, the first thing that comes to mind are questions. “Should we do this better? What would work best for travelers? Are we meeting their needs? The committee wants to be sure they’re getting it right.”
We believe public spaces like PDX should be usable for everybody and that everyone who passes through should feel welcome. But we all have different needs, whether we’re traveling solo or with family, have visual impairments, mobility issues, or nearly any other lived experience. If we want public spaces to be accessible, we have to provide options informed by real people’s needs. Take a moment to watch this three-minute video, then consider liking or sharing one of these posts on your social channels (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook).
Learn more about accessibility at the airport and visit the PDX People training page to find out how you can help make our airport welcoming to all travelers – including trainings on pronoun use and sensory inclusion.
A group of three people standing by a TSA Precheck kiosk.
On-Site TSA PreCheck® Enrollment Initiative Launches at PDX
PDX and IDEMIA recently launched IDEMIA's new TSA PreCheck® enrollment initiative where ticketed travelers and employees can enroll in PreCheck with no need for an appointment. It takes five minutes or less, and you'll receive a Known Traveler Number within three to five days. IDEMIA TSA PreCheck enrollment ambassadors are located just past the north security checkpoint by Gate E2 – you’ll need a PDX badge to access this service. Hours are Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. and you'll need to bring a government issued photo ID and proof of citizenship (e.g., passport, birth certificate) or proof of lawful permanent residency. 
Black and white photograph of Bessie Coleman standing next to an airplane.
Black History Month 2023: Commemorating Aviator Bessie Coleman
Black History Month, recognized in February, is a joyous time when renowned achievements of Black Americans are honored and celebrated. This year, in partnership with the Port of Portland's Alliance of Black Employees, we're sharing the remarkable legacy of American civil aviator, Bessie Coleman (Jan. 26, 1892 – April 30, 1926). With great fortitude, Bessie weathered the barriers of segregation to become the first African American woman and first Native American to hold a pilot’s license. She was also the first Black person to earn an international pilot’s license at the age of 29. Learn more about Bessie and keep an eye on the PDX People calendar for upcoming events commemorating Black History Month for the PDX community.
Concourse E at PDX lit up with blue and aqua lights for the Winter Lights Festival.
PDX Partners with the 2023 Portland Winter Light Festival
If you drive along Airport Way after dark this week, you’ll see Concourse E awash in lights representing roses, mountains, water and even the distinctive PDX carpet. These colors of our region are in partnership with the Willamette Light Brigade’s Portland Winter Light Festival, which brings a warm glow to the city during the darkest months of the year. Designed by Steven Harper of Indigo Design LLC, "Elevation II" is similar to last year’s installation with distinct lighting scenes and vertical strips of colored light that echo the visual experience of landing at PDX and touring the natural diversity that is uniquely Oregon. New this year: Vertical lighting on Concourse B is also part of the display. Learn more about the free, family-friendly festival – on now through Saturday, Feb. 11 – that connects community and enriches the public realm through artful lighting.
Top right: Boeing 747 covered in anti-corrosive green paint; Bottom right: the plane taking off; Bottom left: the same plane on the ground.
PDX in Pictures
On Jan. 10, the last 747 that will ever be built departed PDX following its release from the Boeing paint facility. Last Tuesday, the aircraft was officially handed over to its new owner, U.S. air cargo operator Atlas Air.
One small significant detail on the last one delivered: a decal right next to the nose paying homage to Joe Sutter, chief engineer of the Boeing 747 program, who died in 2016 and is considered by many as the "father" of this famous aircraft. Members of the Sutter family, as well as members of the Boeing family representing the company's founder, Bill Boeing, attended the delivery ceremony.
A shoutout to the PDX People who captured the "Queen of the Skies" while it was briefly at PDX. In late December, Port of Portland's Glenn Woodman shared a photo of the plane covered in anti-corrosive green paint (top), and Port of Portland's Brian Burk caught it taking off in early January (bottom right). The bottom left photo comes from @keithpdxair, UPS Air Operations at PDX.
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