Celebrating Ninety Years of Flight at Van Nuys Airport (1928–2018)
This year, Van Nuys Airport (VNY) commemorates its ninetieth anniversary. At this historic milestone, we pay tribute to the aviation pioneers and visionaries who first introduced the San Fernando Valley to the freedom of flight.
Honoring a Rich Aviation Heritage
It is especially meaningful that VNY was dedicated on December 18, 1928, marking the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Wright Brothers’ first powered flight. From that day forward, VNY attracted legendary pilots such as Amelia Earhart who garnered the world’s attention with their mastery of the air.
Propelled by ingenuity and opportunity, aerospace leaders, business entrepreneurs and even Hollywood filmmakers soon followed. Together, they proved that the sky was not the limit, but just the beginning.
Once a dirt airstrip surrounded by farmland, today VNY is distinguished as Los Angeles’ business airport and one of the world’s busiest general aviation airfields. A vital economic engine, it contributes approximately $2 billion to the Southern California economy and supports over 10,000 jobs annually.
Achieving the Gold Standard
In 2017, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) revealed its new vision statement: "Gold Standard Airports... Delivered." In support of this initiative, VNY strives to lead the industry in safety, service and sustainability. In collaboration with our tenants, this means finding innovative ways to advance organizational excellence, enhanced security, strong business practices and exceptional facilities.
Over the past two years, several major tenant capital improvement projects have successfully moved forward. These include the completion of a $7.5-million, 3-acre aviation complex at Aeroplex/Aerolease Group and a $10 million, 6-acre expansion at Clay Lacy Aviation. Construction at the new Jet Aviation facility has recently commenced, with development at The Park VNY scheduled for completion at the end of this year. Overall, tenant development projects are valued at over $65 million.
Our tenants are also strongly committed to environmental stewardship. VNY is close to reaching its goal of having all fixed based operators and the propeller aircraft park achieve certification through the City of Los Angeles Green Business Program. By providing free environmental consulting services, this program helps businesses reduce energy and water consumption, as well as increase efficiency and productivity.
Serving the Community
Finally, VNY is committed to serving as a valuable resource to our community through building strong partnerships with local civic, service and non-profit organizations. Each year, our employees participate in events ranging from street fairs and student career days to disaster relief efforts and community service projects.
In addition, the airport's annual Aviation Career Day, Aviation Career Education Academy and Job Shadow Day introduce thousands of middle and high school students to future careers in the aviation and aerospace industries. Through youth programs, volunteerism and community participation, we strive to address the most important needs and concerns of our neighbors.
As we honor the airport's proud past, we also look forward to its promising future. VNY's legacy is engraved in aviation history. Its potential to shape the future of private air travel is immense.
Thank you all for sharing in this momentous occasion and for contributing to VNY’s tremendous success... now and for decades to come.
