Cargo Growth Strong at Ontario International Airport in October

Shipments of commercial cargo continued to drive activity at Ontario International Airport (ONT) in October, extending a trend of 20% increases year-over-year. Meanwhile, the number of passengers who moved through the airport increased for the sixth consecutive month, another positive sign as the airport continues its gradual pandemic recovery.

Air freight shipments reached almost 80,000 tons last month, 19.74% more than October 2019. From January through October, freight tonnage exceeded 731,000 tons, nearly 21% more than the same period last year.

“Commercial freight volumes continue to be robust further strengthening Ontario’s standing as a major air cargo hub,” said Mark Thorpe, chief executive officer of the Ontario International Airport Authority. “As the Inland Empire’s large consumer base continues its rapid growth and the region’s economy regains steam, the airport will remain at the forefront of economic activity.”

Total traveler volume was almost 218,000 in October, 56% lower than the same month a year ago. Importantly, October was the sixth straight month of increasing passenger volume since air travel through ONT reached its low point in April when the number of airline travelers declined by 93%.

Domestic passenger volume approached 214,000 last month, a decrease of 55% compared to October 2019. International travelers totaled slightly more than 4,000, 82% lower than last year.

Over the first 10 months of the year, ONT received more than 2.1 million passengers, 53% fewer than the same period in 2019. Domestic travel, which crossed the two million mark for the year, was 52.4% lower. Meanwhile, international passenger volume was 80,000, a reduction of 67% for the year.

Thorpe however sounded an optimistic tone about recent improvements in ONT passenger travel. In October, Delta Air Lines launched twice-daily, nonstop flights to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

“The steady improvement in passenger volume since the full impact of the pandemic was felt in April is an optimistic sign for Ontario. While a complete recovery is not likely to occur for another year or more, the pace of our recovery is greatest among airports in California and near the top among airports nationwide.”