Press Room

Posted on: Wed, 01/11/2023 - 14:53

(Ontario, California – January 12, 2023) – Alan D. Wapner, president of the Ontario International Airport Authority Board of Commissioners, has been elected to a national leadership role for Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA), the trade association representing commercial airports in the United States and Canada.

Wapner, a City Council Member at the City of Ontario, will serve on ACI-NA’s U.S. Policy Council, joining five other new appointees from across the country. The U.S. Policy Council works to ensure that airport officials across the country have the latest information on – and a voice in – regulatory and industry issues impacting the industry. 

“It is an honor to work alongside some of the top airport officials in the U.S. in navigating the challenges and opportunities facing our industry and air travel generally,” said Wapner, who also serves as chair of ACI’s Commissioners Committee.

Wapner has served as president of OIAA’s Board of Commissioners since before Ontario International’s return to local ownership in November 2016. In that time, Ontario has become one of the industry’s great success stories, and in 2022, was part of an elite group of airports that exceeded full-year pre-pandemic passenger volumes.

In addition to serving as OIAA president and a member of the Ontario City Council, Wapner is a past president of the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority and the Southern California Association of Governments, and past chair of the Omnitrans Board of Directors. He also is a board member for Metrolink and the Metro Foothill Gold Line Extension Construction Authority.

“For the last 75 years, ACI-NA has forged a solid reputation for success because of the volunteer leaders who contribute their time, talent, and energy to help lead us in times of change or challenge,” said Sam Samaddar, Airport Director for the Kelowna International Airport and Chair of the ACI-NA Board of Directors.  “I am confident these new leaders will carry on that tradition in this moment as we continue to focus on resiliency and innovation.  I look forward to working alongside these passionate industry leaders to advance key North American airport priorities in 2023 and beyond.”

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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 which offers nonstop commercial jet service to more than two dozen major airports in the U.S., Mexico, Central America, and Taiwan. More information is available at www.flyOntario.com. Follow @flyONT on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

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)