ONTARIO, Calif., Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Ontario International Airport (ONT) continued the momentum gained over the past year by posting a more than 10% increase in passenger volume in January. At the same time, cargo shipments continued their double-digit increases, growing more than 22%.

Passengers totaled 374,977 in January, an increase of 10.6% over the same month last year when passenger volume was 339,083.

"The remarkable increases in the January numbers reflect the continued confidence of our customers," said Mark Thorpe, chief executive officer of the Ontario International Airport Authority. "They have come to expect a secure, hassle-free experience at Ontario, and I am pleased to say we are meeting their expectations."

The January passenger increase was the highest month-over-month gain since ONT's transition to local control in 2016, and continues the airport's remarkable growth since its transition to local control. As previously reported, ONT handled 4.5 million passengers in 2017, up 7% from the prior year.

Shipments of freight and mail at ONT continued to grow at a double-digit pace in January, increasing by 10,455 metric tons, or 22.3%, compared to a year ago. This, too, continues a trend that saw cargo shipments jump more than 15% in 2017.

Ontario's status as an international gateway will reach a new level in March when China Airlines launches passenger service between Taiwan and ONT.

About Ontario International Airport
Ontario International (ONT) Airport is located in the Inland Empire, approximately 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles in the center of Southern California. It is a full-service airport with nonstop commercial jet service to 19 major airports in the U.S. and Mexico, and connecting service to many domestic and international destinations. There is an average of 66 daily departures offered by 8 air carriers. More information is available at www.flyOntario.com.

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About the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA)

The OIAA was formed in August 2012 by a Joint Powers Agreement between the City of Ontario and the County of San Bernardino to provide overall direction for the management, operations, development and marketing of ONT for the benefit of the Southern California economy and the residents of the airport's four-county catchment area. OIAA Commissioners are Ontario Mayor Pro-Tem Alan D. Wapner (President), Retired Riverside Mayor Ronald O. Loveridge (Vice President), Ontario Council Member Jim W. Bowman (Secretary), San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman (Commissioner) and retired business executive Julia Gouw (Commissioner).

News Media Contacts:
Atif Elkadi, Senior Director of Marketing, Communications and External Affairs, (909) 544-5432 aelkadi@flyontario.com
Steve Lambert, (909) 841-7527 slambert@flyontario.com

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SOURCE Ontario International Airport