Through ongoing collaboration among airport management and tenants, project has beencarefully designed to minimize operational impacts and maximize airfield improvements.

(Van Nuys, Calif.) In November 2012, the largest airfield construction project at Van Nuys Airport (VNY) in the last 50 years—rehabilitation of its famed 8,000-foot main runway 16R/34L—is slated to begin. Through a combination of asphalt overlay and partial reconstruction, the nine-month project will modernize the runway to meet current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) design standards, improve existing run-up and concrete pavement areas, and ensure a minimum 20-year runway lifespan.

"Rehabilitation of Van Nuys Airport's primary runway will allow airport users and operators to benefit from an even higher level of excellence and service than they experience today," said VNY Airport Manager Jess Romo. "Through months of collaboration among airport management and tenants, this project has been phased to minimize operational impacts to the fullest extent possible and preserve the airport's status as a world-class general aviation facility."

VNY's participation in the upcoming National Business Aviation Association's Annual Meeting & Convention, scheduled for Oct. 30-Nov. 1, launches a comprehensive awareness campaign aimed at providing timely and updated information to the global aviation community. This will be accomplished via ongoing outreach to aviation industry trade associations and media outlets, creation of a dedicated project website and hotline number, and use of social media channels.

Before arriving or departing VNY, pilots are advised to check the following sources for the latest information on construction schedule and phasing, full and partial runway closure dates, shortened runway periods and 24-hour contact numbers. 

• VNY project website www.lawa.org/vny16R
• VNY project hotline (818) 442-6556
• FAA NOTAMs www.faa.gov

Rehabilitation work will be phased over three sections of the runway (north, south and center) and will not impact operations on VNY's 4,000-foot parallel runway. The plan includes:

• Mill and overlay on 4,400 feet of the runway's center section
• Enhancements to the run-up area, including a new blast fence
• Repairs on existing concrete runway ends
• Reconstruction of runway and shoulder pavements
• High-speed exit light modifications
• New pavement markings

Operational impacts will include runway closures for 10 full days and 26 nights (10 p.m. to 6 a.m.). The runway length will be shortened for 65 days, with no less than 5,000 feet available for arrivals and 5,209 feet available for departures at all times.

Scheduled for completion in August 2013, this investment in VNY's infrastructure will ensure that aircraft—from single-engine planes to multi-engine business jets—continue to move quickly, safely and efficiently. It will also help maintain VNY's role as Los Angeles' No. 1 business airport and a powerful engine in the Southern California economy. 

About Van Nuys Airport

One of the world's busiest general aviation airports, VNY serves as a valued resource forthe San Fernando Valley and the Greater Los Angeles region. VNY ranks as a premier facility dedicated to providing first-class service for general aviation users day in and day out. Dedicated to noncommercial air travel, VNY recorded over 300,000 operations in 2011. More than 100 businesses are located on the 730-acre airport, including five major fixed-base operators and numerous aviation service companies.

VNY contributes approximately $1.3 billion annually 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 www.lawa.org/vny or follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/VNYofficial. 

MEDIA CONTACT
Diana Sanchez 
T (818) 442-6526
E dsanchez@lawa.org