12/11/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/11/2023 16:49
For Immediate Release
December 11, 2023
Contact:
LAX Public Relations
(424) 646-5260
[email protected]
Local high school students view aircraft from four airline partners (top), JetBlue Airways pilot speaks to students in the flight deck (bottom left), Students board U.S. Customs and Border Protection helicopter (bottom right).
(Los Angeles and Van Nuys, CA) - On Saturday, Dec. 9, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Van Nuys Airport (VNY) hosted community Santa Fly-In events that were a great success - each attracting over 500 enthusiastic attendees of all ages for a day filled with celebrations, entertainment and giving back to the community. The events were made possible by partnerships with the Westchester Family YMCA and the Mid Valley Family YMCA, and helped support the organizations' annual holiday toy drives.
Families enjoyed up-close views of different aircraft, interacted with airport therapy dogs from the Pets Untressing Passengers (PUPs) program, and participated in ornament decorating activities, before waiting for Santa to greet them on the ground. Santa made a thrilling entrance by landing directly on the airfield, then read the Clement Clarke Moore poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas," better known as "'Twas the Night Before Christmas," to the crowd of excited guests. Community members were sent home with milk and cookies, and heartwarming memories of a festive day at the airport.
"The Santa Fly-In events showcased the remarkable spirit of unity and generosity in our communities," said Beatrice Hsu, Interim Chief Executive Officer, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA). "I am grateful to our partners at the Westchester Family YMCA and Mid Valley Family YMCA for supporting this effort to bring members of our community together to celebrate the holiday season. It was great to see so many people of all ages happy to see Santa, and also so generously donate to toy drives that will help brighten the holidays for children in need. Thank you, Santa, for stopping by our airports and making the day so fun for everyone!"
"The overwhelming turnout and support from our airport community truly made the Community Santa Fly-In a heartwarming success," said Van Nuys Airport Manager Paul Herrera. "Seeing families come together and contribute to the toy drive showcases the generosity and goodwill present in our community during this special time of year."
Delta Air Lines pilot speaks to students on the flight deck (top left), Students view NASA's T-34C aircraft (top right), FBI is one of more than 30 agencies to exhibit at Aviation Career Day (bottom left), Representatives from the TSA speak with students (bottom right).