Press Room

Posted on: Wed, 10/18/2017 - 14:45

ONT experiences longest period of sustained growth since 2007

ONTARIO, Calif. – October, 18, 2017 – Passenger levels at Ontario International Airport (ONT) rose again in September, continuing a trend of steady increases as more business and leisure travelers see the airport as a viable alternative for air travel in Southern California. The September figures represent the 13th straight month of growth,the longest period of consecutive months of higher passenger volumes at ONT since 2007. 

Ontario welcomed 369,156 passengers in September, an increase of 5.64 percent over September 2016. From January through September, 3,321,190 air travelers passed through ONT, 6.86 percent more than the same period a year ago. 

“Since the transition to local ownership almost a year ago, we’ve worked tirelessly to show domestic and international airlines that they can be successful at ONT,” said Mark Thorpe, chief executive officer of the Ontario International Airport Authority.

“Airlines are becoming more bullish about Ontario and the steady passenger and cargo increases show we are on track in our efforts to transform ONT into a gateway airportwith facilities and amenities that appeal to air travelers.”

Thorpe attributed the strong month-over-month growth to new domestic service added by existing airline tenants during the year, the introduction of larger aircraft in response to rising demand for service to ONT and a higher percentage of occupied seats across airline routes, as well as the improved national economy.

“Bigger planes and higher percentages of occupied seats reflect increased confidence among airlines and their passengers, and we couldn’t be more grateful,” Thorpe added. “And we still have plenty of room to grow.”

Thorpe noted that Frontier Airlines, which initiated service at ONT earlier this month, and China Airlines, which will begin flights between Taiwan and ONT in the spring, have made major air service commitments. 

The number of international passengers at ONT declined 7.3 percent in September compared to September 2016, though international volume is higher by 2.7 percent January through September this year.

Meanwhile, freight moved through ONT rose in September, up 11.3 percent over September 2016. For the year, freight tons rose 14.21 percent to 441,754 tons.