Over 1,400 Students Explore Aviation Careers at Van Nuys Airport

(Van Nuys, California – May 2, 2014) Today, more than 1,400 high school students and 40 exhibitors participated in the ninth annual The Sky’s the Limit: Aviation Career Day, hosted by MP Aero, Van Nuys Airport (VNY), Los Angeles City Councilmember Nury Martinez, and The Valley Economic Alliance.

Students were treated to informative airport tours, interactive exhibits, and aircraft displays including two U.S Navy F-18 Fighter Jets, two Condor Squadron’s AT-6, Los Angeles Fire Department Air Rescue Unit, Los Angeles Sheriff Department and Van Nuys Airport major tenants including Aerolease, Clay Lacy, TWC and Signature Flight Support.

"The Van Nuys Airport is part of the Valley family. It provides jobs to our community, visitors to our businesses and, today, it prepares our students for their futures," said Los Angeles City Councilwoman Nury Martinez (CD-6). "I’m proud to see so many enthusiastic young people interested in Aviation Career Day. This program provides the link to organizations like LAUSD's Aviation Mechanics School that can make their career goals come true." "We thank our sponsors, exhibitors, VNY and the many volunteers who made Aviation Career Day possible," said Pierre Maroni, MP Aero Chief Executive Officer. "Educational opportunities like today’s event allow our youth to explore the many career options available to them," added Jess Romo, Van Nuys Airport Manager.

About Van Nuys Airport:

VNY is one of three airports owned and operated by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), a self-supporting branch of the City of Los Angeles, governed by a seven-member Board of Airport Commissioners who are appointed by the mayor and approved by the Los Angeles City Council.

One of the world's busiest general aviation airports, VNY serves as a valued San Fernando Valley resource, providing ongoing leadership in general aviation, business and community service. Dedicated to noncommercial air travel, VNY had over 270,000 operations in 2013. More than 100 businesses are located on the 730-acre airport, including four 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. In addition, VNY provides programs to benefit local residents, along with educational initiatives and aviation-related career and training opportunities. For more information, visit

As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and, upon request, will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities. Alternative formats in large print, braille, audio, and other forms (if possible) will be provided upon request.