BIOGRAPHY
CHARLES ISDELL, A.A.E.
Charles Isdell was appointed Philadelphia’s Director of Aviation in 2000. His
responsibilities include Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), the nation’s 12 th busiest
airport, and Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE), a general aviation reliever facility. Under
his direction, PHL won accolades as the host airport for the 2000 Republican National
Convention. In 2001, The Wall Street Journal named PHL one of the five best airports in
the United States. In 2002, the Airport’s concession program was recognized by Airports
Council International as the best in North America.
A strong proponent of safety and security, Mr. Isdell has led PHL through two consecutive
error-free FAA safety inspections. Since 9/11/01, he has directed the re-engineering of the
Airport’s security program, setting new standards for access control and digitally recorded
video surveillance. During his tenure, the airport has added a $550 million international
terminal, a $100 million regional terminal, a $50 million aircraft deicing facility, a $35 million
US Airways maintenance hangar, a $20 million ramp control tower, a $20 million domestic
terminal expansion, a $15 million FBO facility and a $10 million Aircraft Rescue & Fire
Fighting training center.
The first noise study in the airport’s history was completed in 2002. The resulting noise
compatibility plan, including the proposed noise proofing of 445 nearby homes, was
approved by the FAA in 2003. Mr. Isdell is currently leading a master planning effort that is
focused on the development of a more efficient airfield. This project was selected by a
Presidential task force for streamlined environmental review. An environmental impact
study is now underway.
Mr. Isdell holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Temple University. His postgraduate work includes a 1995 Fellowship from the Wharton School of the University of
Pennsylvania, a 2001 Certificate in Aviation Safety and Security from George Washington
University, and completion of the Airport Systems Planning Program at the Massachusetts
Institute of Technology in 2002. He is accredited by the American Association of Airport
Executives and has lectured on aviation topics at the University of Pennsylvania and
George Washington University and spoken at industry conferences here and abroad.
A 2003 recipient of the March of Dimes Service to Humanity Award, Mr. Isdell serves on
the Boards of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Sunoco Welcome
America. He is Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Philadelphia High School
Aviation Academies and serves on the curriculum committee of Drexel University’s Aviation
Management Program.
6/03