Press Room

Posted on: Wed, 01/22/2020 - 09:18

Airport fortifies its role as a freight hub, growing more than 5%

(Ontario, California – January 22, 2020) – Ontario International Airport (ONT) continued its run of impressive growth in 2019, welcoming 5.5 million air travelers for the year, the highest level in more than a decade. America’s fastest-growing airport also drew more cargo activity with shipments of commercial freight up 5.1%.

“Ontario International Airport is fast becoming the hub of economic activity we believed it could be when we assumed control three years ago,” said Mark Thorpe, chief executive officer of the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA). “Ontario’s evolution as a viable option for air travel in Southern California is no longer a dream, but a reality. And the reality is that airlines, air travelers and freight shippers recognize Ontario’s value as a first-rate airport with the infrastructure, services and amenities that appeal to customers.”

During calendar year 2019, ONT passenger volume increased 9.1% from 5.1 million in 2018 to more than 5.5 million. Domestic travel rose 8% from 4.8 million travelers in 2018 to more than 5.2 million. The number of international passengers increased 33.4% from 227,883 to more than 304,000.

Ontario closed 2019 with nearly 515,000 passengers traveling through the airport in December, an increase of 16.7% over December 2018. More than 485,000 were domestic passengers while almost 30,000 were international travelers, increases of 16.5% and 20.5%, respectively.

December was the sixth straight month of double-digit gains in total passenger volume.

Commercial freight also rose significantly in December to more than 88,000 tons, an increase of 18.1% over December 2018. For the year, freight shipments increased to more than 760,000 tons, up 5.1% over 2018.

“The December and year-end numbers show the tremendous momentum with which Ontario begins 2020,” Thorpe said. “We look forward to new service to Newark, Miami and Las Vegas, as well as Central America in the coming months, offering more customers the easy, hassle-free experience that is Ontario’s hallmark.”

In 2019, ONT was the fastest growing airport in the U.S. for the second straight year based on results of the Tested Reader Survey conducted by Global Traveler, a leading industry publication geared to frequent business and luxury travelers. Ontario also holds the designation of favorite alternative airport in the U.S., according to popular web publication Trazee Travel.

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About Ontario International Airport

Ontario International Airport (ONT) is the fastest growing airport in the United States, according to Global Traveler, a leading publication for frequent fliers. Located in the Inland Empire, ONT is approximately 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles in the center of Southern California. It is a full-service airport with nonstop commercial jet service to 26 major airports in the U.S., Mexico and Taiwan, and connecting service to many domestic and international destinations. There is an average of 72 daily departures offered by nine air carriers. More information is available at www.flyOntario.com.

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About the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA)

The OIAA was formed in August 2012 by a Joint Powers Agreement between the City of Ontario and the County of San Bernardino to provide overall direction for the management, operations, development and marketing of ONT for the benefit of the Southern California economy and the residents of the airport's four-county catchment area. OIAA Commissioners are Ontario City Council Member Alan D. Wapner (President), Retired Riverside Mayor Ronald O. Loveridge (Vice President), Ontario City Council Member Jim W. Bowman (Secretary), San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman (Commissioner) and retired business executive Julia Gouw (Commissioner).