Dear Ms. Trifiletti,
On behalf of the Whiteman Airport Coalition, we are writing to raise a significant concern about the recently released Whiteman Airport Land Use Study. The study does not meaningfully examine emerging aviation technologies, including electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and the growing Advanced Air Mobility industry.
We believe this is a major gap in a $2.1 million study intended to help Los Angeles County make decisions about Whiteman Airport’s future through 2050.
During the October 28 public meeting at Los Angeles Mission College, Coalition members raised this issue and were told that eVTOL was not being considered because the study was already underway.
But if the purpose of the study is to understand Whiteman Airport’s future economic potential, shouldn’t it consider where the aviation industry is headed?
What This Means for Scenarios 1 and 2
The study examines two options that would keep Whiteman Airport operating. Scenario 1 focuses on preserving and improving the airport, with a projected positive net present value of $14.3 million through 2050. Scenario 2 combines airport operations with other development and projects a positive net present value of $24.3 million.
Neither scenario fully considers the potential for new aviation businesses, private investment or emerging technologies to generate additional revenue and jobs.
There is also an important difference between the two scenarios when it comes to FAA approval.
- Under Scenario 1, Whiteman Airport could pursue new aviation businesses, including eVTOL and Advanced Air Mobility operations, without having to seek FAA approval to change how the airport land is used. Individual projects would still need to meet applicable safety, infrastructure and regulatory requirements, but aviation businesses could potentially move forward within the airport’s existing operations.
- Scenario 2 is more complicated. Development that is not related to aviation would face additional FAA review and approval requirements because Whiteman Airport has federal obligations to remain available for aviation. The FAA’s priority is to protect aviation uses, and approval is unlikely if non aviation development would interfere with or displace those activities.
These differences matter. They could affect how quickly new businesses can open, how much private investment the airport can attract and whether the study’s financial projections fully reflect the opportunities and challenges of each scenario.
The 2028 Olympics Bring an Immediate Opportunity
The 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games make this issue especially timely.
In May 2025, LA28 announced that Archer Aviation had been selected as the official air taxi provider for the Games and Team USA. The partnership includes plans for passenger transportation, electric aircraft infrastructure and support for emergency services and security operations.
Archer is planning an air taxi network connecting major destinations across the Los Angeles region, including LAX, Hollywood, Santa Monica, Orange County and Olympic venues.
This isn’t simply a technology that might become available 20 years from now. Plans are already underway to bring electric air taxis to Los Angeles in connection with the 2028 Games.
Whiteman Airport is an existing aviation facility in the San Fernando Valley. It could potentially support this growing industry through aircraft operations, maintenance, charging facilities, training or other aviation services.
With the Olympics less than two years away, the County should be looking at whether Whiteman Airport could play a role in this network, what improvements might be needed and what economic opportunities could follow.
Other Airports Are Already Attracting Investment
Joby Aviation’s expansion at Marina Municipal Airport on California’s Central Coast provides a real example of the economic opportunities emerging in aviation. In 2023, Joby committed to $41.3 million in investment, supported by a $9.8 million state grant to help expand its California operations. In 2025, the company completed a major expansion of its Marina manufacturing and training facilities. The City has also advanced plans for a Joby vertiport that would generate additional airport lease revenue.
Marina demonstrates how an existing municipal airport can attract investment, support new aviation businesses and create opportunities for long-term economic growth.
Why This Matters
We understand that Advanced Air Mobility is still developing and that future investment is not guaranteed. Any new business or infrastructure project would need to meet safety standards, regulatory requirements and financial feasibility tests.
But that is exactly why these opportunities should be examined.
Los Angeles County spent approximately $2.1 million on a study intended to help guide decisions about Whiteman Airport for the next several decades. Yet the analysis does not fully consider an emerging part of the aviation industry that is already attracting private investment and preparing for operations in the Los Angeles region.
The Coalition believes the County should have a more complete understanding of Whiteman Airport’s potential to attract new aviation businesses, create jobs and generate additional revenue before making decisions about its future.
We respectfully request that this letter be included in the appendix to the final Land Use Study and that the County consider supplemental analysis of these opportunities.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Whiteman Airport Coalition
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