Mayor Garcetti Nominates Deborah Ale Flint to Lead Los Angeles World Airports
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As Oakland’s aviation director, Deborah Ale Flint is the primary executive responsible for the operation, management and business development of Oakland International Airport (OAK). Ale Flint has led significant capital and customer improvements at the airport, giving passengers more choices and amenities and overseeing the new BART rail connection which has grown ridership by 30%. Under her leadership, Oakland International now has the most air service routes in its history.
“Today, we are building a world class airport system to improve the passenger experience, create jobs, enhance security and give travelers the best first and last impression of our city,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti. “Deborah Ale Flint is the right aviation executive to lead the changes we are making, including overhauling nearly every terminal and bringing rail to LAX, growing passenger activity at LA/Ontario Airport and adding new customs service at Van Nuys Airport. As we invest in our city’s transportation future, I know that she will not only focus on building the best airports in the world, but also work with the community to ensure LA’s airports are good neighbors.”
Prior to her role as director of aviation, Ale Flint was the assistant aviation director and led the operation of the airport. She previously led Oakland International Airport’s capital program, where she coordinated the design, financing and implementation of major airport projects, participating in the issuance of over $500 million in revenue bonds.
“I am honored by the opportunity to join Mayor Garcetti’s administration,” said Deborah Ale Flint. “I look forward to working with him, the Commissioners, the entire LAWA team and our neighbors to shape the future of air transportation for Los Angeles and the greater region.”
In addition to her role at Oakland International Airport, Ale Flint currently represents all domestic airports on the US Department of Transportation’s Aviation Consumer Protection Committee and serves on the Transportation Research Board’s Airport Cooperative Research Program, the Airports Council International and California Airports Council. In the Bay Area, she serves on the Inner City Advisors board of directors. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business from San Jose State University.
“I am very excited that Mayor Garcetti has nominated Deborah Ale Flint to lead Los Angeles World Airports,” said Councilmember Mike Bonin, who represents Los Angeles International Airport and the neighborhoods around it. “She is dynamic, whip-smart, and shares a vision of making LAX a world class airport and a first class neighbor. She has the right background and experience to deliver on the array of projects that will transform LAX and make every Angeleno proud of our airport.”
LAX is in the midst of the largest public works program in the history of the City of Los Angeles, an $8.5 billion investment to modernize nearly every terminal, including the newly remodeled Tom Bradley International Terminal. Since 2006, the overall program has created nearly 40,000 construction related jobs. Under Mayor Garcetti, LAX is constructing a LAX Train that will connect passengers to airline terminals from new facilities including a Rent-A-Car Center, multiple pick-up and drop-off locations, and Metro’s planned transit station at 96th Street and Aviation Boulevard. Additionally, LAX just opened a new, more sustainable Central Utility plant and has completed new taxiways. Several major airfield and facility projects are underway.
LA/Ontario International Airport (ONT), a medium-hub, full-service airport offers direct commercial jet service to 15 major U.S. cities and connecting service to many domestic and international destinations, has seen improving passenger activity. The first four months of 2015 saw a year to date increase of 1.6%. And International passenger activity is up 70%, an increase of more than 16,000 passengers.
Van Nuys Airport (VNY), one of the world’s busiest general aviation airports, recently announced the successful launch of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) services for arriving international flights that will benefit business travelers, fuel the local economy and reduce airspace congestion in the Southern California region. Dedicated to noncommercial air travel, Van Nuys had over 232,000 operations in 2014. More than 100 businesses are located on the 730-acre airport, including three major fixed base operators and numerous aviation service companies. Annually, the airport contributes approximately $1.3 billion to the Southern California economy and supports over 12,000 jobs.
The Board of Airport Commission will consider Mayor Garcetti’s recommendation of Ale Flint tomorrow at its June 4th meeting. Ale Flint’s nomination is subject to confirmation by the City Council.
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