PALMDALE -- Robert Gluck, the man who oversaw the renovations of the L.A./Palmdale Regional Airport terminal, will now oversee the airport's day-to-day operations as its first manager.
Gluck was appointed to the newly created post of airport manager by Los Angeles World Airports just days before United Airlines begins its Palmdale service Thursday. Gluck said his initial duties are focused on a successful launch of that service and continuing community outreach efforts to help promote the airport.
``I will work closely with the city of Palmdale and the local community to help increase the passenger traffic,'' Gluck said. ``I want to increase awareness of the airport, both locally and nationally, to increase ridership. Ultimately that will help us get more flights to more destinations.''
Gluck began his career with the city of Los Angeles in 1976 as an equipment mechanic in the General Services Department.
Prior to his new appointment, Gluck had been airport maintenance superintendent at L.A./Ontario International Airport since 1997. He helped manage more than 200 employees in the building trades, landscape, field construction, custodial, fleet maintenance, vehicle procurement and administration.
That experience included being involved with the expansion of the Ontario airport in the mid- and late '90s.
``I have a good overall knowledge of airport operations,'' Gluck said. ``I have experience in making transitions to be prepared for the traveling public.''
Just prior to his appointment, Gluck had been working on the Palmdale airport's terminal to prepare it for the start of United's service. With the exception of one year during which Nevada-based Scenic Airline flew out of Palmdale, the terminal has been inactive since 1998.
Work on the terminal includes fresh slurry on the parking lot and entrance road, new landscaping, revamped restrooms, new water fountains, remodeled ticket counters, refurbishment of the airport monument sign, as well as lighting and electrical improvements.
``We want people to see and get a sense of the level of commitment we're putting into this,'' Gluck said.
james.skeen@dailynews.com
(661) 267-5743
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