Airport Emergency Management Modernization
Client: Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA)
Partner: Kimley-Horn Associates
Engagement: Emergency Plan Development & Comprehensive Emergency Management Program
Role: Emergency Management Program Designer & Advisory Lead
EK Associates partnered with Kimley-Horn Associates to modernize the emergency management framework for Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and LA/Ontario International Airport. Serving as the lead for program design and advisory support, we helped LAWA establish a comprehensive, scalable emergency management capability aligned with national preparedness standards and operational best practices.
Through strategy development, facilitation, exercise planning, and training architecture, we enabled LAWA to strengthen emergency readiness, improve multi-agency coordination, and build a resilient response and recovery ecosystem.
The EK Advantage
Modern, Standards-Aligned Preparedness Design
We helped LAWA re-envision emergency readiness — defining doctrine, processes, roles, and workforce expectations aligned with homeland security and aviation response frameworks.
Multi-Agency Coordination & Facilitation Leadership
We led emergency planning committees and ensured working groups translated operational needs into actionable initiatives and measurable deliverables.
Response-to-Recovery Continuity Engineering
We developed recovery planning approaches that supported continuity of airport operations, business restoration, and regional economic stabilization after major incidents.
Key Features & Work Performed
Comprehensive Program & Plan Development
• Designed emergency preparedness processes spanning communications, technology, response operations, roles, logistics, intelligence, finance, public information, and intra/inter-agency coordination
• Developed a formal airport recovery plan guiding restart and continuity efforts post-incident
Governance & Facilitation Support
• Served as standing facilitator for an emergency management subcommittee
• Ensured task ownership, accountability, and timely completion of planning deliverables
Exercise & Training Architecture
• Supported LAWA in planning and executing drills, tabletop exercises, and simulations using the HSEEP framework
• Built and expanded the airport first responder training program, including competency requirements and role-based proficiency standards
Impact Delivered
✔ Stronger coordination and decision-making across airport stakeholders
✔ Defined emergency response and recovery roles, structures, and execution pathways
✔ Improved readiness through purpose-built training and HSEEP-aligned exercises
✔ Enhanced resilience and post-incident recovery confidence for LAWA and surrounding agencies
