Travel & Tourism
July flights at Ontario International Airport will reach 90% of pre-pandemic level
Ontario International Airport is approaching near pre-pandemic passenger volume and is beginning the new fiscal year with a responsible budget plan designed to attract more commercial flight activity; Board approves budget designed to boost commercial flight activity
Summer travel is looking up at Ontario International Airport (ONT) as the Southern California gateway approaches near pre-pandemic passenger volume and begins the new fiscal year with a responsible budget plan designed to attract more commercial flight activity.
Based on current flight schedules, there will be 437 flight departures a week in July from ONT, 87.4% of departing flights in July 2019 when there were 500 outbound flights a week. There will be more than 64,000 seats on the July flights, 90.8% of the 70,600 seats in July 2019.
And as Ontario International’s recovery pace accelerates, the airport will enter Fiscal Year 2022, which begins July 1, with an operating expense budget of $73.3 million. The fiscal plan adopted by the Ontario International Airport Authority Board of Commissioners anticipates passengers returning to ONT at near pre-pandemic numbers in the coming months and includes lower landing fees and terminal rent for airlines.
- Landing fees for passenger airlines will be reduced in FY22 to $1.71 per thousand pounds of landed weight, down from $1.84 in Fiscal Year 2021 and $1.98 in pre-pandemic Fiscal Year 2020.
- Terminal facility fees will remain unchanged in FY22 at $99.38 per square foot per year compared to the pre-pandemic rate of $109.86 per square foot.
“The Board approved a fiscally sound plan for the new budget year which maintains ONT’s position as a low-cost gateway, attractive to airlines and other users, and that ultimately benefits air travelers who are accustomed to our hassle-free, high quality customer experience,” said Alan D. Wapner president of the airport Board of Commissioners and Mayor pro Tem of the City of Ontario.
“Since the transition of Ontario International to local control in 2016, we have taken the steps necessary to create a first-rate aviation gateway and a valuable public asset for the Inland Empire. Despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global air travel, ONT is well-positioned to resume its pre-pandemic position as one of the fastest growing airports in the U.S.”
Eleven airlines operating at ONT are offering nonstop service to 25 destinations this summer, six more than the summer of 2019, including Charlotte, Chicago (O’Hare International) Honolulu, Houston (William P. Hobby Airport), Mexico City and San Salvador.
Air travelers, greeters and other ONT visitors are reminded that face coverings are still required in public transit areas including airport terminals and onboard aircraft.
Travel & Tourism
Ontario International Airport awarded $2.5 million from FAA to reduce emissions, increase sustainability
Greening the Gateway: Ontario International Airport Secures $2.5 Million from FAA for Sustainability Enhancements
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded $2.5 million to Ontario International Airport’s (ONT) to further the popular Southern California gateway’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.
The money is through FAA’s Voluntary Airport Low-Emission (VALE) Program and will be used to replace 22 Pre-Conditioned Air (PCA) units – external heating, cooling and dehumidifying devices that control temperatures and keep jetways and planes comfortable when aircraft are parked at the gate. The units are connected to airport electrical power sources, eliminating the need for parked aircraft to use on-board auxiliary power units, which require jet fuel.
The VALE funding comes two weeks after ONT received $4 million in FAA funding for its runway rehabilitation program.
“We are deeply appreciative to the FAA and to Congresswoman Norma Torres, who has played such a critical role in securing funding for ONT as we meet the needs of this dynamic region we serve. The VALE Program funding will allow us to replace older PCA units with state-of-the-art, high energy-efficient models that reduce emissions and improve air quality,” said Alan D. Wapner, President of the Ontario International Airport Authority Board of Commissioners.
Since its return to local ownership in 2016, Ontario International has been a leader in promoting sustainable airport operations through its investment in energy-efficient infrastructure, the recycling of runway and construction materials, its fleet of zero-emission shuttle buses and its support of enhanced transit to and from the airport, among other things.
This year, ONT is on pace to exceed 7 million passengers, up 75% since 2016. ONT also ranks among the Top 10 cargo airports in the U.S.
Travel & Tourism
Passenger count will be 11% higher over Labor Day weekend at Ontario International Airport
Popular Southern California gateway experiencing greater demand with added flights to popular destinations over summer
The summer travel rush at Ontario International Airport (ONT) will conclude over Labor Day weekend with passenger volume up 11% over the same long holiday weekend last year, officials announced. The expected increase exceeds the Transportation Security Administration‘s prediction of an 8.5% increase nationwide.
Based on current schedules, airlines are offering more than 130,000 seats on arriving and departing flights between Thursday, August 29, and Monday, September 2, with more than 105,000 passengers traveling through ONT.
The busiest travel day at ONT is expected to be Labor Day Monday, September 2, with some 23,500 passengers.
“As this summer illustrates once again, Ontario International has become the airport of choice for millions of Southern Californians who are drawn to us by our convenience, routes and a travel experience they won’t get anywhere else,” said Alan D. Wapner, president of the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA) Board of Commissioners.
Said Atif Elkadi, OIAA chief executive officer, “We have enjoyed a great run of summer travel and we expect to end it on a strong note. We forecast 2.1 million passengers for summer travel beginning Memorial Day weekend and we anticipate our Labor Day weekend passenger count will help us reach our mark.”
Labor Day
Wknd 2024Estimated
PassengersVersus
2023Total
SeatsVersus
2023105,395 11 % 130,413 7.4 %
Travel & Tourism
Ontario International Airport awarded $4 million in FAA grants for runway, taxiway improvements
Southern California’s Ontario International Airport (ONT) will receive another $4 million from the Federal Aviation Administration to invest in infrastructure improvements at the aviation gateway of choice for millions of Southern Californians.
The FAA announced on August 9 that it is awarding a total of $636 million to airports across the country, under its 2024 Airport Improvement Program. ONT’s portion – $4,090,060 – will be used for its ongoing runway and taxiway rehabilitation projects.
“We are deeply grateful for our partnership with the FAA, along with the unwavering support of Congressional leaders in Washington, D.C., for providing the critical funding needed to enhance our runways, taxiways and infrastructure. Together, we are committed to creating the safest possible experience for our travelers and air carriers across the U.S.,” said Atif Elkadi, Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario International Airport Authority.
The funding comes as Ontario International continues to outperform the industry as a whole while serving one of the most dynamic economic and population centers in the United States. This year, ONT is on pace to exceed 7 million passengers, up 75% since its return to local ownership in 2016. ONT also ranks among the Top 10 cargo airports in the U.S.
Nationally, the Airport Improvement Program funds a variety of projects such planning, airport safety improvements, airport development and airport noise compatibility.
“This $636 million investment helps airports across the Nation sustain and improve critical infrastructure to advance the safest, most efficient airport system in the world,” said FAA Associate Administrator for Airports Shannetta R. Griffin.
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