Ontario International Airport Celebrates Five Years of Local Ownership

Those who believed that ONT could be a viable alternative for commercial air service in the greater Los Angeles region were right. Airlines have added new flights and destinations. Air passengers quickly realized the benefits of having easy access to a top-notch gateway closer to home. Shippers made use of ONT’s extensive freight facilities and hubs, conveniently located at the heart of the region’s strong supply chain network.

ONT’s remarkable journey is at the center of a celebration of the state of the airport today at Ontario Convention Center, bringing together city and county leaders, industry leaders, airline staff and other ONT supporters, more than 350 guests in total.

“We knew on that fateful day five years ago that the combination of world-class facilities, operational know-how and broad local support positioned us well to make Ontario International a leading aviation gateway and providing the air service and amenities that sophisticated air travelers demand, ”said Alan D. Wapner, mayor pro Tem of the City of Ontario and president of the Ontario Council of Commissioners of the International Airport Authority (OIAA). “Our team of dedicated professionals has transformed Ontario from an airport that had been essentially forgotten or, worse yet, ignored into a low-cost and thriving international gateway for airlines, air passengers and freight forwarders. “

Inland Empire Airport had languished for much of a decade and eventually became the center of a campaign to transfer control from its former owner Los Angeles World Airports, the operator of Los Angeles International airport, to local authorities.

Through Aug 6, 2015, the parties had reached a historic agreement and the November 1, 2016, transferred the ownership of ONT from City of Los Angeles to a joint authority of the City of Ontario and San Bernardino County. Finally, the ONT has become the property and responsibility of those close to it: the elected and appointed leaders who have pledged to relaunch air transport in the Inner Empire, the companies that have pledged to support it and the customers who make it happen. have trusted.

In 2018, Ontario International was one of the fastest growing airports in the United States, and while the coronavirus pandemic has reduced air travel by 90% or more at many airports, ONT has experienced the fastest recovery among airports of its size and more California. In September, passenger volume was 97% of pre-pandemic levels, with domestic travel almost fully recovered.

“We have proven that we can compete with major airports by providing a high quality, hassle-free customer experience with easy access to our passenger terminals, affordable parking, fast and efficient security screening, spacious boarding gates , free and reliable Wi-Fi. and catering concessions that feature popular local and national brands, ”said Curt Hagman, President of San Bernardino County Supervisory board and a commissioner from the OIAA.

Since taking control of the ONT, the OIAA has increased the number of airlines operating at the airport by almost 50% and nearly doubled the number of non-stop destinations. Departures increased from 403 to 460 per week while the number of passenger seats increased from 52,000 to 66,500.

In 2019, the ONT welcomed more than 5.5 passengers, the highest in more than a decade, and for the second year in a row was the fastest growing airport in the United States, according to World traveler, an industry-leading publication for business and luxury travelers who travel extensively in the United States and internationally. In addition, more than $ 8 million was invested to rename and renovate restaurant and retail concessions.

“In the five years since we regained local control of our operations, we have created teams to work with airline partners to increase routes. We have improved parking, added restaurants, improved infrastructure and maintenance and essentially improved everything about the passenger experience, taking it to a whole new level, ”said Jim bowman, member of the Ontario municipal council and commissioner of the OIAA.

The past five years have also seen continued growth in ONT’s freight operations, which now rank in the top 10 in North America. Last November, Federal Express opened its new 251,000 square foot operations center at the airport and, along with UPS, Amazon and other freight carriers, handled more than 900,000 tonnes of inbound and outbound cargo in 2020.

“Our strategic logistics location in Southern california makes this region an international business center ”, declared Ron loveridge, Vice-President of the Board of Commissioners of the OIAA. “With localized control, a growing list of carriers and freight partners, Ontario The international airport continues to increase its role as a leading passenger and logistics airport not only for California, but also nationally and internationally. “

“It is difficult to imagine another airport, another region, which has a future as promising as ours”, declared the commissioner of the OIAA Julia gouw. “Ontario The international airport is truly a valuable asset, in a prime location, with a growing customer base. ONT is the perfect choice for traveling to and from Southern california. “

On Ontario International airport
Ontario The international airport (ONT) is the fastest growing airport in United States, according to Global Traveler, a leading publication for frequent travelers. Located in the Inland Empire, the ONT is approximately 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles in the center of Southern california. It is a full-service airport that, before the coronavirus pandemic, offered non-stop commercial jet service to 26 major airports in the United States, Mexico and Taiwan. More information is available at www.flyOntario.com. Follow @flyONT on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

About Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA)
The OIAA was created in August 2012 by a joint competence agreement between the City of Ontario and the county of Saint-Bernardin provide overall direction for the management, operations, development and marketing of ONT for the benefit of the Southern california the economy and residents of the four county airport catchment area. The OIAA commissioners are Ontario Mayor Pro Tem Alan D. Wapner (President), retired mayor of Riverside Ronald O. Loveridge (Vice-Chair), Member of Ontario City Council Jim W. Bowman (Secretary), San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman (Commissioner) and retired executive Julia gouw (Commissioner).