LOS ANGELES WORLD AIRPORTS HOSTS AVIATION CAREER DAYS AT LAX AND VAN NUYS AIRPORT, INSPIRING FUTURE AVIATION PROFESSIONALS

LOS ANGELES WORLD AIRPORTS HOSTS AVIATION CAREER DAYS AT LAX AND VAN NUYS AIRPORT, INSPIRING FUTURE AVIATION PROFESSIONALS

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Students from area high schools walk among aircraft at the Flight Path Museum during Los Angeles World Airports' (LAWA) Aviation Career Day at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Oct. 30, 2025. The annual event, held at LAX and Van Nuys Airport, connects students with industry professionals to explore aviation careers. (Photo courtesy of Los Angeles World Airports)

LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) recently held two Aviation Career Days at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Van Nuys Airport (VNY), in partnership with several business and community partners, providing a unique opportunity for students from Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and other local schools to explore careers in the aviation industry.

"At Los Angeles World Airports we are inspiring the next generation of aviation professionals," said Vanessa Rodriguez, Deputy Executive Director External Affairs, Los Angeles World Airports. "Our annual Aviation Career Days give students a real-world opportunity to experience the wide range of exciting careers our industry has to offer. We're grateful to our educational partners and industry colleagues for helping LAWA build career opportunities for local students."

The programs at both events included a lineup of interactive activities that allowed students to engage with experts and professionals about aviation careers and learn more about airport operations at LAX and VNY. The 10th annual LAX event on Oct. 30, which was held on the airfield ramp at the Flight Path Museum, featured commercial aircraft, equipment demonstrations, and representatives from more than 45 entities, including airlines, law enforcement, construction firms, flight schools, and more. At the VNY event on Oct. 23, students were able to see the renowned firefighting Super Scoopers used by the Los Angeles County Fire Department to combat fires during wildfire season, as well as other notable aircraft. All attendees also received airfield tours at each event for a more in-depth look at the different types of activities that go on at an airport.

"Supporting the education and career development of young people is essential to ensuring the continued success of aviation in our region," said Van Nuys Airport Manager Jacob Haik. "When students experience firsthand the dynamic work happening at Van Nuys Airport, it opens their eyes to the incredible career opportunities available right here in the San Fernando Valley. These hands-on experiences are invaluable in helping shape the workforce of tomorrow."

During the LAX event, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines had commercial aircraft open for viewing. Students were able to go aboard the aircraft, and talk to flight and operations crew members. Other aircraft included several general aviation airplanes. Local colleges with aviation and technical programs, architectural and engineering firms, public safety agencies, construction companies and cargo handlers were also represented.

"As a proud Southern California employer, connecting passionate students who are eager to explore aviation careers is incredibly rewarding," said David Terry, Managing Director for United Airlines' LAX Hub. "Events like this highlight the diverse opportunities our industry offers. At United, we believe that Good Leads the Way and we're committed to supporting students as they pursue their dreams in aviation."

At the VNY event, approximately 650 students attended from 12 LAUSD schools in the San Fernando Valley. Schools included Arleta Senior High, Canoga Park Senior High, Chatsworth Charter High School, Grant Senior High, Kennedy Senior High, North Hollywood Senior High, Northridge Academy Senior High, Polytechnic Senior High, Reseda Charter High School, Sylmar Leadership Academy, Taft Charter High School, and Van Nuys High School.

At the LAX event, over 1,200 students attended from LAUSD schools, Inglewood Unified School District schools, Animo Leadership Charter, Army Navy Academy, Bellflower, Canyon (Anaheim), Coastal Academy, Corona, Culver City, DaVinci, Desert Christian Academy, El Segundo, Hawthorne, Pacific Lutheran, Paramount, and WISH Academy high schools.

A link to photos and b-roll can be viewed here: LAX | VNY. Credit all assets as "Courtesy of Los Angeles World Airports."