Los Angeles World Airports Launches New Radio Station at Ontario International Airport to Provide Security and Travel Information

Los Angeles, California (November 15, 2006) – Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) today launched a new radio station at Ontario International Airport (ONT) that will provide the traveling public and airport visitors with critical airport security information. The radio station will also provide information on terminal and airline locations, parking, ground transportation, services and amenities, and travel recommendations that will make traveling through ONT easier and more convenient.

The Federal Communications Commission allows a low-powered signal for this type of station which can be heard for several miles on roads and freeways surrounding the airport. Caltrans placed signs along freeways approaching the airport to inform drivers about the station. The station’s studio is located in the airport’s Administration Building and a newly constructed transmitter site is on the airport perimeter near the main access road.

"The new airport radio station at 770 on the AM dial, which will operate 24 hours a day, will enable us to communicate immediately with drivers headed to the airport in the event of a security emergency," said Alan Hyde, ONT’s police department commander. "We will now be able to inform drivers of security issues as they are developing and advise them directly about specific courses of action. The new radio station is an important part of Ontario International’s overall security program to ensure that the airport is as safe and secure as possible"

The station will be on air in time for the busy Thanksgiving holiday travel period. Airport officials expect 200,000 passengers to travel through ONT from Friday, Nov. 17 through Monday, Nov. 27.

"Thanksgiving week is possibly the busiest time of the year at the airport," said Jess Romo, ONT’s airport manager. "The winter holiday travel period is also approaching and the radio station, a highly effective medium, will help us communicate with the traveling public in a timely manner. Ontario International now handles more than seven million passengers annually and many of them are here for the first time. Information provided on the station will make their trips much easier."

Airport officials offer the following holiday travel tips:

• Tune in to 770 AM for airport information including up-to-date airport security measures.
• Plan ahead. Arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to your flight departure.
• Do not park your vehicle or wait at curbside to drop off or pick up passengers.
• Do not leave luggage, bags and backpacks unattended.
• Report suspicious activities to airport law enforcement personnel.
• Wear shoes that can be easily removed since shoe screening is now mandatory.
• Put small items, including liquids, gels and medication in one-quart plastic food storage bags.
• Check the Transportation Security Administration’s website at www.tsa.gov for a list of items prohibited in carry-on luggage. The site also explains size and volume limitations on liquids, gels and medication.

ONT is located in Southern California’s "Inland Empire" region that includes San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. The medium-hub airport is one of four owned and operated by LAWA, a Los Angeles city department that oversees an airport system in the nation’s second largest metropolitan area. The other airports owned and operated by LAWA are Los Angeles International Airport, Palmdale Regional and Van Nuys.