It’s safety first at Ontario International Airport (ONT) as it prepares to play a significant role in the post-COVID-19 economic recovery.
America’s fastest-growing airport before the pandemic hit, ONT is taking industry-leading steps to ensure the health and safety of its passengers, visitors and employees as the economy begins to reopen.
These include the use of high-tech sprayers and a highly effective disinfectant to sanitize all touch points within the airport, new passenger screening trays treated with powerful antimicrobial technology, new escalators with self-sterilizing UV-C light technology, clearly posted social distancing guidelines, the required use of facemasks and more.
“Nothing can compensate for the pain and suffering so many families and businesses have endured as a result of COVID-19,” said Alan Wapner, president of the Ontario International Airport Authority Board of Commissioners. “As the nation moves toward recovery, we are reminded of the resilience of air travelers and our aviation partners and look forward to welcoming them back as we return to more normal travel routines.”
Like most airports, ONT has seen a decline in passenger volumes since the outbreak. At the same time, its freight business has surged – more than 20% in each of the past two months – in response to the overwhelming increase in online shopping and shipments of essential goods.
“Ontario Airport continued to play a leading role in Southern California’s vast supply chain network in April as the nation’s transportation industries responded to rapid changes in the coronavirus landscape,” said Mark Thorpe, chief executive officer of the Ontario International Airport Authority.
ONT’s success as a freight hub stems can be traced to its ideal location, strong business partnerships and ongoing strategic investments in facilities, services and infrastructure – the same factors that propelled passenger growth in the three years following the airport’s return to local control.
For nearly 11 million Southern Californians, ONT is actually closer – by distance or travel time – than any other airport.
“Over the past few years our airport has proved to be a primary driver for the regional economy – a role we see becoming even stronger during the coming recovery,” Thorpe said.
– Contributed by Ontario International Airport
