Santa Monic Airport (SMO) is just 10 miles from Los Angeles International Airport, but has its own local and unique impact on its own local community. Generating $250 million in annual economic impact, SMO has been home to 175 businesses and supports thousands of jobs.
But it doesn’t stop there – here are four ways that SMO is giving back to the local community:
– By partnering with non-profits like the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Santa Monica Airport encourages local youth to explore science, technology, engineering and math through programs like “Young Eagles Day.” For example, the airport has a “meet a pilot and plane” held multiple times each month.
– SMO has also played host to a number of high profile events including the 2016 Critics Choice Awards , the Oscar Wilde Awards and will be the site for the The California Fresh Green Carpet Awards in December 2016.
– SMO has supported a number of local, charitable initiatives, including Southern California’s holiday toy drive “Spark of Love,” a program by firefighters that collects and distributes toys to needy boys and girls. For the third year running, the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF) bases its Super Saturday fundraiser out of the airport to raise funds for the oldest and largest charity in the US funding ovarian cancer research.
– The airport also hosts the Museum of Flying, its vintage aircraft displays, and the Santa Monica Airport Observation Decks. Self-guided tours of the airport are encouraged and minibus tours are provided. And, the SMO Airport Artwalk is now in its 10th year and hosts space for local artists to showcase their art.
Anyone looking for more information about the airport and any particular events are encouraged to reach out to the Santa Monica Airport Association, The Barker Hanger and The Museum of Flying.