What Does Los Angeles World Airports Do?

Total employees4000
HeadquartersLos Angeles
Founded1928

Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) is a self-supporting department of the City of Los Angeles, responsible for the management and operation of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Van Nuys Airport (VNY). LAWA is committed to providing world-class airport experiences, driving economic growth for Southern California, and leading the aviation industry in safety, security, and sustainability. It oversees massive capital improvement projects, manages airline relations, and ensures efficient operations for millions of passengers and tons of cargo annually.

Where Is Los Angeles World Airports's Headquarters?

HQ Function

LAWA's headquarters serves as the central administrative and operational command center. Key functions include executive leadership, strategic planning, financial management, policy development, legal services, human resources, and oversight of all operations and development projects for LAX and VNY airports.

Notable Features:

The headquarters is co-located with LAX, one of the world's busiest airports, allowing for direct operational oversight. It includes modern administrative offices and may house specialized facilities like an Airport Response Coordination Center (ARCC) or departmental operations centers.

Work Culture:

The work culture at LAWA's headquarters combines a public service ethos with the dynamic, fast-paced environment of international airport management. It emphasizes collaboration, innovation, safety, and a commitment to serving the millions of travelers and businesses that rely on its airports. Employees often work on complex, large-scale projects impacting the regional and global transportation network.

HQ Significance:

LAWA's headquarters is significant as the nerve center for Southern California's primary air transportation gateway. Decisions made here directly impact regional economic vitality, international trade and tourism, and the daily travel of millions. It's a key institution in the global aviation landscape.

Values Reflected in HQ: The headquarters' operations reflect LAWA's core values: safety and security, operational excellence, fiscal responsibility, sustainability, innovation, and outstanding guest experiences. Its role as a city department also underscores a commitment to public service and community benefit.

Location:

While LAWA itself is a department of the City of Los Angeles and primarily operates within Southern California, its global presence is manifested through the airports it manages, particularly LAX. LAX connects Los Angeles to hundreds of destinations across North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East. LAWA supports this global connectivity by fostering relationships with international airlines, participating in global aviation forums, and ensuring its facilities meet international standards for travel and trade. Its operations directly facilitate global tourism, business, and cargo flows.

Street Address:

1 World Way

City:

Los Angeles

State/Province:

California

Country:

USA

Where Else Does Los Angeles World Airports Operate Around the World?

Van Nuys, California/USA

Address: 16461 Sherman Way, Van Nuys, CA 91406

VNY serves as a critical hub for general aviation in Southern California, relieving pressure from LAX and supporting business travel, pilot training, emergency services, and recreational flying. It's a major economic contributor to the San Fernando Valley.

Los Angeles, California/USA

Address: 1 World Way, Los Angeles, CA 90045

LAX is the main international gateway to Southern California and a major hub for domestic and international passenger and cargo traffic. It is a cornerstone of the regional economy and a vital link in the global transportation network.

Buying Intent Signals for Los Angeles World Airports

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Notable news
Hiring actively
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
*Example signal, not calculated in real time

Who's Leading Los Angeles World Airports? Meet the Executive Team

As of April 2025, Los Angeles World Airports' leadership includes:

John Ackerman - Chief Executive Officer
Cynthia Guidry, P.E. - Chief Operating Officer
Terri Mestas - Chief Development Officer
Tatiana Starostina - Chief Financial Officer (Interim)
Marla Bleavins - Chief Airport Affairs & External Relations Officer
Ian Law - Chief Information Officer
Luz L. Mesa - Chief Human Resources Officer
Dave S. Jones - Chief of Airport Police
Valerie Palomino - Chief Legal Counsel (Acting)

Who's Investing in Los Angeles World Airports?

Los Angeles World Airports has been backed by several prominent investors over the years, including:

Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) is a proprietary department of the City of Los Angeles and is not a publicly traded company with traditional investors.
Funding for LAWA's operations and capital improvement programs is primarily derived from airport-generated revenues (such as airline fees, concessions, parking, and rentals), the issuance of airport revenue bonds, and federal/state grants for specific projects.
It operates as a self-sustaining entity, meaning its revenues cover its expenses without reliance on city tax dollars.

What Leadership Changes Has Los Angeles World Airports Seen Recently?

Hire1
Exits1

In the past year, Los Angeles World Airports experienced a significant leadership transition with the departure of its CEO, Justin Erbacci, and the subsequent appointment of John Ackerman as the new Chief Executive Officer after an interim period.

Departures

Justin Erbacci, Justin Erbacci departed from his role as CEO of Los Angeles World Airports.

New Appointments:

John Ackerman, John Ackerman was appointed as the new CEO to lead Los Angeles World Airports.

What Technology (Tech Stack) Is Used byLos Angeles World Airports?

Discover the tools Los Angeles World Airports uses. Highperformr reveals the technologies powering your target accounts — helping your sales, marketing, and GTM teams prioritize smarter and close faster.

Los Angeles World Airports Email Formats and Examples

Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) typically uses standardized email formats for its employees, common for government and large organizations. While direct email addresses for specific individuals may not always be publicly listed, common formats can be predicted. For official inquiries, it's often best to use contact forms on the LAWA website or general departmental email addresses.

[first_initial][last]@lawa.org or [first].[last]@lawa.org

Format

jdoe@lawa.org

Example

70%

Success rate

What's the Latest News About Los Angeles World Airports?

LAWA NewsroomMay 28, 2024

Los Angeles World Airports news title: LAX EXPECTS BUSY MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY TRAVEL PERIOD WITH UP TO 2.9 MILLION PASSENGERS

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) anticipates welcoming up to 2.9 million travelers during the Memorial Day holiday travel period, from Thursday, May 23, through Tuesday, May 28. This projection marks an increase of nearly 190,000 passengers – or 7% – compared to the 2023 holiday period....more

LAWA NewsroomFebruary 1, 2024

Los Angeles World Airports news title: JOHN ACKERMAN BEGINS AS LOS ANGELES WORLD AIRPORTS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

John Ackerman today began his tenure as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA). Ackerman brings more than three decades of experience in aviation and transportation infrastructure to his new role overseeing LAX and VNY airports....more

Office of Mayor Karen BassDecember 13, 2023

Los Angeles World Airports news title: Mayor Bass Announces Selection of John Ackerman as Chief Executive Officer of Los Angeles World Airports

Mayor Karen Bass announced her selection of John Ackerman to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), pending confirmation by the Board of Airport Commissioners (BOAC) and Los Angeles City Council....more

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