Airport CEO Mark Gale Announces Retirement
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Mark Gale, CEO of the Philadelphia International Airport has announced his retirement. He spent nearly 28 years at the airport and was appointed CEO in 2009.
Gale started as an intern in 1985. He’ll retire in the beginning of January.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my years at the airport, especially the last seven when the leadership team has worked together to improve air service and to enhance passengers’ travel experience,” said Gale in a statement. “I thank Mayor Nutter for the opportunity he gave me to lead this great organization and I thank all our employees dedicated to serving the airport’s customers. Now, I’m looking forward to the next phase of my life, both personally and professionally.”
With 419,253 takeoffs and landings annually, about 31 million passengers come through the PHL airport each year, according to a press release from Mayor Michael Nutter’s office. It generates more than $14.4 billion in spending for the local economy and accounts for more than 141,000 jobs in the Philadelphia region.
Since the airport is owned by the City of Philadelphia, Gale was responsible for all activities around the Philadelphia’s Division of Aviation, including both Philadelphia International Airport and Northeast Philadelphia Airport and the management of about 800 airport employees.
In recent years, Gale oversaw the creation of Philadelphia as a hub for American Airlines (which recently merged with US Airways), helped coordinate the visit from Pope Francis, and worked to advance a multi-billion dollar modernization and expansion program. During his tenure, five new airline carriers began service at PHL, and plenty of airlines expanded destination options for travelers.
“Mark has been an outstanding leader of the airport,” said Nutter in a statement. “As the city has grown into a world-class destination, Mark has kept PHL on pace to address the needs of today’s air travelers. He has been focused on expanding convenient, efficient and affordable air service while directing operations of this facility so important to the economic health of the city and region.”
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