Los Angeles Board of Commissioners Approve Justin Erbacci to lead LAWA
On June 18., the Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners (BOAC) voted unanimously to approve Mayor Eric Garcetti’s nomination of Justin Erbacci as the next chief executive officer of Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), the city department that owns and operates Los Angeles International (LAX) and Van Nuys airports. Erbacci, who joined LAWA in 2016, has served as Interim CEO since Jan. 1. Erbacci was selected after an exhaustive national search. The appointment as permanent CEO now must be approved by the Los Angeles City Council.
“This moment of crisis for our world and change at our airports demands a leader with a proven track record — and Justin Erbacci is the right person to help us navigate this turbulent time,” said Mayor Garcetti. “Even as a pandemic continues to consume our attention and energy, Justin has led LAWA forward — accelerating a more than $14 billion transformation of LAX, improving airport operations, maintaining fiscal health, and affirming our commitment to rebuilding and reimagining our infrastructure.”
“We set out with a global search for LAWA’s next CEO and identified some excellent candidates. But I have had the opportunity to work closely with Justin over the past six months in these incredibly challenging times and that has proven to me — without a doubt — that exactly what we were looking for was right in front of us all along,” said Sean O. Burton, President, Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners. “Our Board of Airport Commissioners could not be prouder to appoint Justin Erbacci as CEO of Los Angeles World Airports. We have full confidence that he will continue to drive LAX and Van Nuys airports forward and that they will be stronger, leaner and ever more innovative.” As Interim CEO, Erbacci has led LAWA during the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak as passenger numbers have collapsed to historic lows. In April, passenger traffic at LAX was more than 95% below what it was a year earlier. Prior to the pandemic, Los Angeles was the third busiest airport in the world and moved a record 88.1 million travelers in 2019.
Under Erbacci’s leadership, LAWA has rolled out a COVID-19 Recovery Task Force which is developing detailed plans for every aspect of the airport system’s recovery, instituted new cleaning and physical distancing protocols throughout the airport, and secured more than $323 million in CARES Act funding for LAX and Van Nuys airports.
Progress on LAWA’s ambitious $14 billion modernization program has continued unabated. Foundation work for the new Automated People Mover (APM) airport train recently commenced in the Central Terminal Area. The Consolidated Rent-A-Car (ConRAC) facility, which will be the largest facility of its kind in the world once completed, had its first vertical concrete pour. And the new Midfield Satellite Concourse, a multi-gate extension of the Tom Bradley International Terminal, is now fully enclosed.
Prior to serving as Interim CEO, Erbacci served as chief operating officer and was responsible for overseeing a realigned executive organization focused on implementation and delivery of LAWA’s multibillion-dollar modernization program. As COO, he led the integration of the capital development, guest experience, innovation, commercial strategy, information technology, environment, sustainability, operations, and facilities management functions.
Erbacci first joined LAWA in October 2016 as chief innovation and technology officer and deputy executive director. In January 2018, Erbacci’s role was expanded to chief innovation and commercial strategy officer where, in addition to his previous role, he also sponsored and led the Terminal Development and Improvement Program, shaped commercial and business strategies, and spearheaded efforts to create a seamless, touchless travel experience. Erbacci brings more than 15 years of experience in global executive leadership from inside and outside of the aviation industry.
Earlier in his career, Erbacci practiced law as a civil rights defense litigator. “I am incredibly grateful to Mayor Garcetti, President Burton and the entire Board of Airport Commissioners for placing their faith in me to lead LAX and Van Nuys airports,” said Erbacci. “I’m especially honored and privileged to have the opportunity to lead the LAWA team at this important moment in our airports’ and City’s history. I also am very thankful for the partnership with the Mayor’s Office and the City of LA team, our neighboring communities and all our airport and construction partners. I look forward to ongoing, close collaboration as we continue to reimagine and transform our airports.”
Erbacci earned an MBA from the University of South Carolina, a JD from Loyola University of Chicago’s School of Law, and a BA from Loyola University of Chicago.
