Preparing for the transfer of Ontario International Airport (ONT) to local control, the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA) today adopted a Strategic Business Plan Executive Summary to set the primary goals that will guide decision makers, leaders and managers in creating success for the airport.
In a 5-0 vote, the Commissioners signed off on the Business Plan that begins with a Mission Statement for ONT under OIAA’s control:
Operate and grow Ontario International Airport as one of the most competitive, efficient, innovative and customer-friendly passenger, cargo and business airports in the United States as a key economic asset serving the Inland Empire and the entire Southern California region.
“Presenting publicly an outline for a business plan lends credibility to what our turnaround strategy is and the direction we are going with it,” said OIAA President and Ontario City Council Member Alan D. Wapner prior to the vote.
The Business Plan identified four initial goals for ONT:
• Reduce airline costs
• Develop airport-related businesses
• Expand air service
• Provide customer friendly facilities and services
The Business Plan was developed by a subcommittee of OIAA Commissioners consisting of Ontario Mayor pro Tem Jim W. Bowman and Orange County Business Council President and CEO Lucy Dunn, in consultation with OIAA staff.
Dunn supported having “an overarching aspirational plan that helps guide our thinking as we move forward in preparation for ultimate local control of the airport.”
Added Bowman, “It’s a roadmap for cooperation with the business community as well as developing the ancillary properties around the airport.”
The Business Plan noted that the City of Ontario and the County of San Bernardino established the OIAA on August 21, 2012 to:
1. Manage the Ontario International Airport as a separate enterprise from that of city government.
2. Develop a specialized airport work force with the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities.
3. Manage the Airport’s procurement process efficiently using private sector methods wherever appropriate.
4. Plan for the highest and best use of all Airport property and facilities in concert with the surrounding infrastructure and land uses.
5. Respond nimbly to market opportunities.
6. Separate Airport finances from City of Ontario and County of San Bernardino finances.
Commissioner Ronald O. Loveridge said the “exceptionally well-crafted” Business Plan clearly demonstrates the need for an independent regional authority.
OIAA Vice President and San Bernardino County Supervisor Gary Ovitt urged the Commissioners and OIAA staff to disseminate the Business Plan to the Southern California Association of Governments and other agencies “so that we can get the message out as to how we hope this airport will be run in the future once we gain control.”
The next OIAA meeting is scheduled at 10 a.m. Monday, February 4, 2013.