REPORTING STRUCTURE CHANGE ANNOUNCED FOR LA/ONTARIO INTERNATIONAL AND VAN NUYS AIRPORTS
(Los Angeles, California – April 30, 2012) In an effort to provide increased coordination between divisions and improve continuity at Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), Executive Director Gina Marie Lindsey has announced a structural change in reporting that involves two LAWA airports: LA/Ontario International (ONT) and Van Nuys (VNY) general aviation.
Effective immediately, Jess Romo, airport manager of both facilities, will report to LAWA’s Chief Operating Officer Steve Martin in an effort to align the expanded duties associated with his position.
“It has become clear that the daily management demands at both airports have moved progressively and significantly beyond the confines of Airport Operations,” Lindsey said. “Management oversight at ONT and VNY airports includes an ever-expanding set of requirements in areas of public and community relations, effective tenant and stakeholder relations, resource allocation, budget controls and ONT air service development.”
“Jess will actively participate in the ONT Task Force, along with other LAWA executive staff, and will take an active role in determining service levels from other divisions at the two airports for which he has accountability,” Lindsey added.
All other reporting relationships at the two airports remain unchanged.
Romo’s career spans 23 years with the City of Los Angeles. He joined LAWA in 1997 and served in a number of progressively responsible positions. He was named LA/Ontario International Airport manager in 2006 and assumed management responsibilities at Van Nuys Airport in 2010.
ONT and VNY are part of a system of three Southern California airports – along with Los Angeles International – that are owned and operated by LAWA, a proprietary department of the City of Los Angeles that receives no funding from the City’s general fund.
ONT is located in the Inland Empire, approximately 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. It is a medium-hub, full-service airport with commercial jet service to 15 major U.S. cities and through service to many international destinations. Approximately 114 flights are offered daily by eight air carriers. ONT served 4.5 million passengers and processed 419,523 tons of air cargo in 2011.
VNY is one of the world’s busiest general aviation airports and is a valued San Fernando Valley resource, providing ongoing leadership in general aviation, business and community service. Dedicated to non-commercial air travel, VNY had more than 310,000 operations in 2011. More than 100 businesses are located at the 730-acre airport, including five major fixed-base operators and numerous aviation service companies.
VNY annually contributes approximately $1.3 billion annually to the Southern California economy and supports more than 12,000 jobs.
