Will Oversee LAX, Van Nuys, Ontario, And Palmdale Facilities

Los Angeles, CA mayor Antonio Villaraigosa hopes Gina Marie Lindsey can work some of her previous magic with beleagured Los Angeles World Airports. On Thursday, Villaraigosa named Lindsey as executive director of the agency, at a time when it is mired in litigation with several airlines over an increase in terminal fees.

"In searching for a new executive director, we knew we needed someone with experience, with an ability to build bridges and with a vision for moving the area's airports forward," Villaraigosa said, according to The Associated Press. "And we found the perfect candidate in Gina Marie Lindsey."

Lindsey brings an extensive and proactive track record to the post. She oversaw a $4.1-billion expansion of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which included the building of a third runway and facilities expansion. Before that, she helped reinvent Alaska's Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, from a refueling stop to a major cargo hub.

"She's certainly seen in the industry as someone who is both a thinker and a doer — a rare combination," Greg Principato, president of Airports Council International-North America, told the Los Angeles Times. Lindsey was chairwoman of ACI-NA for 2003b.

If approved by the city council, Lindsey would replace former director Lydia Kennard, who stepped down in January to pursue interests in the private sector.

As ANN reported, in January the Los Angeles city council voted to increase terminal fees at LAX -- a move the Air Transport Association decried, stating the increase violated previous lease agreements. One of Lindsey's first duties, if approved, would be to bolster relationships with the airlines, at a time when LAX is also appealing to carriers to help with badly-needed terminal approvements.

Local leaders believe Lindsey is up to the task.

"I think that she was an excellent choice and will bring an experience to LAWA that we need," said Gary Toebben, president and chief executive of the LA Area Chamber of Commerce. "Airline representatives who know her feel very comfortable with her ability to negotiate leases and work with the airlines."

FMI: www.lawa.org