Erbacci confirmed as the new CEO of Los Angeles World Airports

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) officially has a new boss today following the appointment of Justin Erbacci as the CEO of Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) on a permanent basis.

Erbacci, who joined LAWA in 2016 and has served as Interim CEO since predecessor Deborah Flint left for Great Toronto Airports Authority, was nominated for the position by Los Angeles mayor, Eric Garcetti.

“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,” says 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.”

His faith in Erbacci is echoed by Sean Burton, president of the Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners, who notes: “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.

“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 passengers 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 modernisation programme 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 organisation focused on implementation and delivery of LAWA’s multibillion-dollar modernisation programme

“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,” enthuses Erbacci.

“I’m especially honoured 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 neighbouring communities and all our airport and construction partners. I look forward to ongoing, close collaboration as we continue to reimagine and transform our airports.”