Southwest Airlines Celebrates 40 Years of Service at Ontario International Airport

Southwest Airlines recently celebrated a remarkable milestone, marking 40 years of service at the Ontario International Airport (ONT). On this day, the airline's Flight #1411 was scheduled to leave ONT for Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, making it a day to remember, not just for travelers, but also for the airline and the airport itself.

Southwest Airlines Celebration

When Southwest started its service at Ontario in 1985, it connected the Inland Empire to a broader network of destinations, beginning with five daily flights to Phoenix. Since then, the airline has grown significantly, currently serving as ONT's largest airline, accounting for 36% of the airport's total passengers last year. As part of the anniversary celebration, festivities were held at Gate 403, where passengers were treated to decorations, Southwest-themed music, and tasty desserts.

Alan D. Wapner, President of the Ontario International Airport Authority Board, praised the longstanding partnership between Southwest and Ontario Airport, noting how both entities have transformed air travel in Southern California. With over 230 weekly departures and a commitment to affordable travel, Southwest has maintained a strong presence in California and continues to expand its operations.

Andrew Watterson, COO of Southwest Airlines, acknowledged the loyalty the airline has shown to the Golden State over the decades, highlighting the airline's role in enhancing the travel experience for many. This anniversary signals not just a celebration of past successes but also a promising future with the upcoming addition of Baltimore/Washington International Airport to its route network, increasing ONT's nonstop destinations to twelve.

Ontario International Airport has earned its reputation as California's leading mid-sized airport, boasting high satisfaction ratings from travelers. The airport, located approximately 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, provides nonstop commercial service to numerous destinations in the U.S., Mexico, Central America, and Taiwan. The rapid growth of ONT - recognized as the fastest-growing airport among medium and large-size airports in California - reflects the synergy of the partnership with Southwest Airlines.

Atif Elkadi, CEO of the Ontario International Airport Authority, expressed pride in the accomplishments shared between the airport and Southwest, affirming that the prosperity of the airport directly correlates with the success and trust placed in its airline partners. Events commemorating the 40th-anniversary included trivia games and a raffle offering chances for passengers to win roundtrip tickets.

Conclusion

This celebratory event underscored the importance of connectivity and community in the aviation industry. As Southwest Airlines looks forward to many more years at Ontario International Airport, the partnership serves as a beacon of success and a model for how airlines and airports can work together to enhance travel experiences. With ongoing expansions and a commitment to customer service, the future looks bright for both Southwest and ONT.

For more information about Ontario International Airport and its offerings, you can visit www.flyOntario.com. Follow @flyONT on social media platforms to stay updated on their latest services.