Inside Ontario International Airport - Ontario, California скачать в хорошем качестве

Inside Ontario International Airport - Ontario, California

Ontario International Airport (IATA: ONT, ICAO: KONT, FAA LID: ONT) is a major airport located in San Bernardino County, California, about 38 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. As one of Southern California’s most important transportation hubs, ONT plays a critical role in regional and international air travel. Overview and Facilities Ontario International Airport spans 1,741 acres and features two parallel runways, making it an important site for both passenger and cargo flights. The airport serves as a major distribution hub for UPS Airlines and FedEx Express, handling substantial air cargo volumes. With over 64 daily departures and arrivals as of 2018, ONT has steadily expanded its passenger traffic while also serving as an alternate landing site for large aircraft unable to reach Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). ONT has two passenger terminals, Terminal 2 and Terminal 4, which house a total of 26 gates. A separate international arrivals facility with two additional gates accommodates international passengers. The airport also provides extensive general aviation facilities and rental car services, ensuring convenient transportation options for travelers. History of Ontario International Airport Early Beginnings Ontario International Airport has a rich history dating back to 1923 when a landing field was established on land leased from the Union Pacific Railroad. Originally called Latimer Field, the site was developed by the Friends of Ontario Airport, a local flying club. In 1929, the city of Ontario purchased a 30-acre parcel for $12,000, laying the foundation for what would become Ontario Municipal Airport. During World War II, the airport expanded significantly, with the city acquiring 470 acres and constructing new runways. By 1942, the facility had become a critical base for Army Air Corps operations, including the training of P-38 Lightning and P-51 Mustang pilots. After the war, Ontario was one of five large storage and disposal sites for military aircraft. Postwar Growth and Commercial Aviation In 1946, the airport was renamed Ontario International Airport due to its growing importance in trans-Pacific cargo flights. That same year, the city secured two surplus steel hangars from the Army, enabling further development. Western Airlines and Bonanza Air Lines began scheduled flights in the 1950s, marking the beginning of ONT’s role in commercial aviation. In the late 1960s, Ontario entered into a joint-powers agreement with Los Angeles, integrating ONT into the larger Los Angeles regional airport system. By 1969, major airlines such as Continental, Air California, Pacific Southwest Airlines, and Western Airlines had introduced jet service to the airport, increasing its connectivity. The construction of a second east-west runway in 1981 further enhanced ONT’s capacity to handle increasing air traffic. Transfer to Local Control and Recent Developments In the 2000s, Ontario International Airport faced challenges due to economic downturns and competition from LAX. Passenger traffic peaked at 7.2 million in 2005 but declined significantly following the 2008 financial crisis. Ontario officials criticized LAWA’s management of the airport and launched efforts to regain control. After years of legal and political negotiations, the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA) assumed control of the airport in 2016. Since then, ONT has experienced a resurgence in traffic, outpacing growth at LAX for the first time in over a decade. Airlines such as China Airlines, Avianca, and Volaris have expanded international service, and new domestic routes have been introduced. The arrival of carriers like New Pacific Airlines and the addition of flights to Central and South America reflect ONT’s growing importance as a regional gateway. Air Traffic and Operations Passenger Airlines ONT hosts several major airlines, including: Terminal 2: Alaska Airlines, Avianca, China Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, United Airlines, and Volaris. Terminal 4: American Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. International arrivals are processed through a dedicated facility, which includes U.S. Customs and Border Protection services. Cargo Operations Ontario International Airport is a major hub for air cargo, serving UPS Airlines and FedEx Express. Its strategic location and extensive facilities make it a key distribution center for the Inland Empire and Greater Los Angeles region. Noise Restrictions and Future Development Unlike other Southern California airports, ONT has fewer noise restrictions, allowing for greater operational flexibility. The airport continues to expand its infrastructure to accommodate increasing passenger demand and cargo operations. Plans for modernization and additional facilities are in progress to solidify ONT’s role as a premier aviation hub in the region.