Orange County Business Journal

Several Orange County cities and agencies have signed on in support of the city of Ontario’s proposal to take control of Ontario International Airport.

Ontario International is currently owned by Los Angeles World Airports, an agency that’s part of the city of Los Angeles.

The Orange County Council of Governments Board of Directors, which represents 39 local governments and agencies, approved a resolution supporting Ontario’s efforts.

OCCOG is a joint powers authority with offices in Orange and represents OC’s interests in regional planning efforts.

OCCOG Chair Leroy Mills said in a statement that transfer of the airport’s control to Ontario would allow the airport to “make a greater contribution to meeting the long-term demand for air service in Southern California.”

The OCCOG resolution in support of local control for Ontario International added that local ownership would boost passenger traffic and help the airport recover from the downturn.

Ontario’s request for control of the airport is currently being reviewed by the Los Angeles City Council Trade, Commerce and Tourism Committee. The Committee’s recommendation on the matter is expected this summer.

Ontario previously owned the airport until 1985, when it transferred control to Los Angeles.

Ontario International saw May airport traffic fall 5.74% from a year earlier to 373,975 passengers.

John Wayne Airport reported May traffic up 1% from a year earlier to 742,204 passengers.