Ontario International Airport's Remarkable Newsletter Transformation
Ontario International Airport (ONT), located in California, has recently achieved a significant milestone in the arena of airport communications. In an impressive display of creativity and community engagement, ONT was awarded the top prize in the Newsletter Campaigns category at the Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) Marketing, Communications and Customer Service Awards. This recognition highlights the airport's notable efforts in transforming its newsletter, "Inside ONT," into a vibrant platform for sharing valuable information with travelers and the local community.
A Fresh Approach to Airport Communication
In a sector often characterized by traditional and sometimes uninspiring communication strategies, ONT's revamped newsletter has set a new benchmark. Under the guidance of Brooke Staggs, ONT’s Communications and Public Relations Manager, the newsletter was relaunched in September 2025. The redesign aimed to increase engagement and provide readers with useful information, appealing design, and interactive content — all essential components for modern communication.
Joy Chuang, the airport’s Director of Communications and Marketing, elaborated on the vision behind the newsletter: “An airport's connection to its community extends far beyond the terminal, and we've made it a priority to strengthen that relationship in everything we do.”
This strategic approach emphasizes the importance of connecting with passengers and local residents alike, forging a sense of belonging and ownership.
Enhancements to Content and Engagement
The alterations made to the newsletter included a more visually appealing layout and a boost in content diversity, providing not just updates about airport operations but also travel tips, community stories, and highlights from the ONT’s popular blog, "ONTo the Next Destination." Additionally, the integration of interactive trivia and increased frequency—from bimonthly to monthly—has provided subscribers with a more robust and consistent resource of timely information.
Such enhancements are instrumental in shaping a publication that goes beyond static announcements. With engaging segments aimed at educating readers, ONT has successfully brought the airport experience closer to the community it serves.
Competing Against the Best
The significance of this award is underscored by the fact that the Newsletter Campaigns category is competitive, featuring submissions from airports of all sizes throughout North America. By securing this honor, ONT demonstrates its commitment to excellence in communication, standing tall among major airports in the United States and Canada.
ONT's Senior Vice President of Communications and Marketing, Eren Cello, acknowledged the intense competition: “To see that work recognized at the highest level in North America is a tremendous honor for our team.”
Other Notable Nominations
ONT did not stop at just one accolade; it was also a finalist in several other categories, including Partnering with Carriers for the China Airlines milestone celebration and Overall PR Program for the Decade of Local Control Campaign. These nominations reflect ONT's ongoing commitment to enhancing passenger experience and community engagement.
A Decade of Local Control
As ONT nears the 10th anniversary of its transition back to local control on November 1, the airport's focus on community relationships has been an integral part of its development as one of the fastest-growing aviation gateways in the United States. The airport has continually prioritized connecting with passengers, local businesses, and community members, ensuring that its growth corresponds with enhancing customer service quality.
A Culture of Recognition
The ACI-NA awards program not only celebrates marketing and communications excellence but also highlights the evolving landscape of airport communications, seeing over 400 entries this year. ONT’s success at these awards builds upon a fruitful series of acknowledgments received over time.
Recognized as the second most popular mid-sized airport by J.D. Power, ONT currently accommodates over 7 million passengers annually, offering nonstop services to numerous destinations. The airport’s progressive communication strategy, demonstrated through the success of its redesigned newsletter, reinforces its mission to deliver unparalleled service both within its terminals and beyond.
For more information, visit
flyOntario.com or follow ONT on social media @flyONT.