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West Houston, One of the Busiest GA Airports in the U.S.

At least 370 airplanes are based at the family-operated West Houston airport, which is also home to two flight schools.

West Houston Airport’s (KIWS) terminal building [Courtesy West Houston Airport]
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Key Takeaways:

  • West Houston Airport (KIWS), a family-run enterprise, has grown from a small country airstrip into one of the busiest general aviation airports, making a significant economic impact on its local community.
  • As a privately owned, public-use airport, KIWS navigates unique financial challenges compared to public airports but leverages its flexibility for quicker innovation and responsiveness to community needs.
  • Strategically located, KIWS is poised to play a crucial role in the future of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and eVTOL operations, serving as a vital hub for regional connectivity, maintenance, and essential community services.
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At one point in time, like many other metropolitan-based airports that have “grown up,” West Houston Airport (KIWS) was once a small country airstrip with a bright future. Through perseverance, flexibility, and most importantly, a passion for aviation, the airport’s leadership has propelled the airport to become what it is today. 

Shelly Lesikar deZevallos, Ed.D., is the daughter of Woody Lesikar, who first came to West Houston as a young and determined flight instructor. The same year he started instructing at what was then called Lakeside Airport, his employer sold him the one-airplane training operation. Lesikar’s footprint quickly grew from that point forward, and he ultimately purchased the airfield six years later. 

Grant Boyd

Grant Boyd is a private pilot with eight years of experience in aviation business, including marketing, writing, customer service, and sales. Boyd holds a Bachelor's and a Master's of Business Administration degree, both from Wichita State University, and a Doctor of Education degree from Oklahoma State University. He was chosen as a NBAA Business Aviation ""Top 40 Under 40"" award recipient in 2020.

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