Van Nuys Airport Manager, Flora Margheritis, received the 2018 National Air Transportation Association (NATA) Airport Executive Partnership Award given annually to recognize an airport manager for his or her outstanding efforts in fostering relationships between aviation businesses and airport operators.

NATA, a public policy group representing the interests of aviation businesses, selected Margheritis for her leadership in developing and maintaining a partnership between airport operators and airport tenants. Christian Moreno, Van Nuys Airport’s (VNY) Chief of Airport Operations, received the award on Margheritis’ behalf at the NATA 2019 Aviation Business Conference in Washington D.C. on June 17.

The President of the Van Nuys Aviation Association, Curt Castagna, was also named the new NATA Chair. Castagna is the President and CEO of Aeroplex/Aerolease group with locations at both Van Nuys and Long Beach Airports.

“Van Nuys Airport is leading the way on environmental sustainability, safety and innovation, and Flora Margheritis has helped make this happen by building strong relationships with our tenants and contractors,” said Deborah Flint, CEO, LAWA. “Operating a general aviation airport is a team sport, and thanks to the partnerships that Flora and Curt have helped foster, we have successfully undertaken a $26 million taxiway improvement project, installed more solar panels than any general aviation airport in the state and ensured that the businesses operating at VNY are certified through the L.A. Green Business Program. My congratulations to Flora, Curt and the entire Van Nuys Airport team for this well-deserved recognition.”

Margheritis has served as airport manager at VNY, one of the world’s busiest general aviation airports, since July 2016. Her aviation career spans over 34 years, with 28 years at LAWA.

“I am honored to receive this award on behalf of Los Angeles World Airports and our Van Nuys Airport team, as it recognizes the work we do every day to balance the needs of our tenants, businesses and local community,” said VNY Airport Manager, Flora Margheritis. “Creating strong partnerships is critical to any airport operation, especially at one of the busiest general aviation airports in the world, and I am grateful to National Air Transportation Association for their recognition of our efforts. Congratulations to Curt Castagna for his selection as NATA Chair, which is further evidence of VNY's national leadership status.”

Margheritis earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Aviation Administration from California State University, Los Angeles. She is a certified member of the American Association of Airport Executives and an active member of Women in Aviation International. Additionally, she also holds a private pilot license certificate and is the proud owner of a Vans RV-8 Experimental Aircraft.