New Leadership Takes Flight: Tyron Hampton Elected President of the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority

If you’re a frequent flyer in Southern California, you already know that Hollywood Burbank Airport is a true gem when it comes to travel convenience and customer service. Now, as the airport prepares to enter a historic new chapter, it will be guided by fresh leadership. Pasadena City Councilmember Tyron Hampton has officially been elected as the new President of the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority (BGPAA), stepping into a one-year term to oversee one of the most exciting eras in the airport’s history.

A Proven Leader for the Region

President Hampton is no stranger to public service or the complexities of regional transportation. Appointed to the nine-member BGPAA in 2021, he most recently served as the commission’s vice president and treasurer. Beyond his vital work with the BGPAA, Hampton has been a steadfast advocate for his community, serving on the Pasadena City Council for the past 11 years, which includes a distinguished term as Vice Mayor.

Stepping into this leadership role places a Pasadena official at the head of the unique tri-city agency (governed by Burbank, Glendale, and Pasadena) just in time for the monumental grand opening of the new passenger terminal. Hampton will be supported by a dedicated group of newly elected officers: Vice President Frank Quintero (Glendale), Secretary Robert “Bud” Ovrom (Burbank), and Treasurer Jess Talamantes (Burbank).

Elevate BUR: A Glimpse Inside the New Terminal

President Hampton steps into his new role just as the highly anticipated Elevate BUR replacement terminal project gears up for completion in late 2026. Replacing the airport’s beloved but aging 1930s-era facility, the new $1.3 billion, 355,000-square-foot terminal is packed with unique features designed to modernize travel while preserving the unmatched convenience Burbank is famous for.

Here are the most unique features passengers can look forward to:

• “The Icon” Design: Inspired by the glitz and glamour of the film industry’s deep roots in Burbank, the terminal features a stunning, swooping roof canopy. The design intentionally mimics the look of a flowing “silver screen” suspended over a public plaza, complete with Mid-Century Modern architectural nods.

• The Classic Outdoor Boarding, Upgraded: Good news for aviation purists! BUR is keeping its iconic outdoor boarding process. However, the new terminal features a massive 45,900-square-foot aircraft parking area designed with the physical clearance necessary to safely maneuver high-capacity, Next-Generation single-aisle jets.

• Enhanced Safety and Airfield Distance: The biggest operational shift is moving the terminal building further away from the runways to meet modern FAA safety standards, eliminating the severe bottlenecks that restricted the 96-year-old original facility.

• Next-Level Sustainability: Designed to achieve a minimum of LEED Silver certification (with expected LEED Gold certification), the campus will feature bioretention basins, modular wetland systems, and a new 2,000-stall parking structure fully equipped with EV charging stations.

• Spacious Modern Amenities: Passengers will enjoy a brand-new ticketing lobby with automated kiosks, updated TSA passenger checkpoints for faster screening, and a significantly expanded post-security area with a wider variety of shopping and dining options.

A Vision for the Future

In a recent newsletter following his election, President Hampton expressed his deep enthusiasm for the year ahead, emphasizing the airport’s long-standing reputation as a top regional hub.

Whether you’re flying out for a quick weekend getaway or a major business trip, the future of Hollywood Burbank Airport looks incredibly bright under the leadership of Tyron Hampton and the BGPAA commission. With Elevate BUR on the horizon, the airport is poised to deliver a 21st-century travel experience without losing the hassle-free charm we all know and love.