ONT PASSENGER VOLUME UP SLIGHTLY OVER THE PAST FOUR MONTHS
(Ontario, California – June 2 , 2014) Passenger numbers at LA/Ontario International Airport (ONT) for the first four months of the year show a slight increase over last year during the same period. Passenger activity in April shows ONT airlines served 338,421 travelers, a 1.5 percent increase compared to April 2013. International traffic is showing higher numbers, which is being helped by Volaris, a new Mexican carrier at ONT that started twice weekly service in mid-April. Volaris, as well as AeroMexico, provide nonstop service between ONT and Guadalajara, Mexico.
While this is an encouraging sign, ONT airport manager, Jess Romo remains cautious about calling this a trend. “We are definitely pleased with the modest increase in passenger activity and we will remain focused on positioning ONT for success.”
Airlines have increasingly focused on profitability, which is one reason that medium hub airports across the country have experienced similar challenges to ONT. Capacity is more tightly controlled although Romo adds, “A good indicator associated with ONT’s numbers is that we are showing passenger increases even as the number of available seats is lower than last year at this time. This means the carriers are flying more efficiently, with higher load factors, and this is a positive impact to their bottom line.”
Total air cargo processed at ONT during April was 39,657 tons, an 8.8 percent increase compared to April 2013. ONT cargo volume has been on a gradual and steady increase since 2010.
ONT is located in the Inland Empire, approximately 35 miles from downtown Los Angeles in the center of Southern California. It is a medium-hub, full-service airport with direct commercial jet service to 14 major U.S. cities and connecting service to many domestic and international destinations. There are approximately 114 daily flights offered by 8 air carriers. For more information about ONT, visit www.lawa.org, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ONTAirport, and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/flyONTAirport.
