Jay Leno Takes Spotlight for Burbank Airport Project

Iconic former “Tonight Show” host and car aficionado Jay Leno is stepping into the limelight as the new ambassador for Hollywood Burbank Airport. He’s featured in an engaging video aimed at persuading investors that the airport’s upcoming terminal project is a promising venture.

Leno’s esteemed “Big Dog Garage” is conveniently close to the runway, and promotional materials highlight plans for a substantial 355,000-square-foot replacement terminal.

“For those of you unfamiliar with Burbank, one significant advantage is that it’s unlike Los Angeles,” Leno explains in the video, describing the airport as “an oasis amid the chaotic environment of homelessness, crime, and high taxes in the city.”

The Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority is counting on Leno’s celebrity status to help them secure $379 million in airport revenue bonds for the terminal relocation initiative.

This funding is crucial for the ongoing $1.3 billion Elevate BUR project, which aims to replace the existing terminal built in the 1930s with a contemporary facility featuring 14 gates.

As Los Angeles prepares for the Super Bowl in 2027 and the Summer Olympics in 2028, Burbank is positioning itself as a more manageable alternative to the often congested LAX, promising travelers a calmer and more structured experience.

The new terminal is already under construction and is slated to open next spring. “This project is on schedule and within budget, driven by union labor,” Leno mentions in the video. “And when do you ever see that?”

Interestingly, although delivered with flair, the video includes a disclaimer stating that Leno’s remarks are purely informational and should not be interpreted as financial advice.