Preparations For Papal Visit And 2016's Democratic Convention In Full Swing At Philadelphia International Airport
By Mike Dunn
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --- Just about five months before Pope Francis' visit to our city, and officials at Philadelphia International Airport say they're busy sprucing up the joint - and making sure workers are on best behavior.
At a budget hearing, airport director Mark Gale said they're in full-scale Pope Prep mode.
"We're going through from top to bottom, trying to make sure that all pieces of our facility -- whether it be carpeting, chairs, lighting, signage, paint, information displays -- are as best as they possibly can be, to, and replaced in advance, to the point that we can afford it," he said.
This sprucing-up will also continue through the Democratic Convention in 2016. Gale told council members that airport officials are also focused on training workers to give a good impression.
"Also, working on customer service issues and attitudes with our employees, to try to make sure that as folks arrive at Philadelphia International Airport, or depart, they're getting the appropriate welcome and send-off through our facility," he said.
And Gale said they're ensconced in meetings on security -- with the Transportation Security Administration, the FAA and the airlines -- as well as meetings with city and regional officials in the hospitality and tourism industries.
The World Meeting of Families begins on September 22nd and concludes with the Pope's mass on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on the 27th.
The Democratic National Convention runs from July 25th through the 28th of 2016.
