Ontario Airport economic impact study reveals an 'economic engine' for Southern California

A previous CAPA report on Hamilton Airport in Ontario province in Canada earlier in 2022 pointed out the advantages to airports of having independent economic impact surveys undertaken to substantiate their benefit to the community...if there is a genuine story to tell, of course.

In the case of Ontario International Airport in southern California there is such a story.

Since ownership changed from Los Angeles World Airports to a consortium of local municipalities six years ago it has become one of North America's leading cargo airports, and its roster of passenger airlines includes many top US carriers, with a network that covers most of the major population areas.

Importantly, it is helping support a heavily populated industrial catchment area where median earnings are below the national level, but nevertheless one growing while neighbouring Los Angeles contracts.

There is further room for improvement, by expanding international services, for example, while it must also prepare itself for the next challenge - which is likely to be another recession.